Green Aracari

About the Green Aracari

The green araçari (Pteroglossus viridis), is a toucan, a near-passerine bird. It is found in the lowland forests of northeastern South America (the Guiana Shield), in the northeast Amazon Basin, the Guianas and the eastern Orinoco River drainage of Venezuela. At 30–40 cm. (12–16 in) long and weighing 110–160 grams (3.9–5.7 oz.), it is the smallest aracari in its range, and among the smallest members of the toucan family.

The green aracari was originally classified in the genus Ramphastos. The species is named for the green feathers covering its back. Males' crowns are black, while females' are reddish brown. Breeding occurs from February to June. It nests in tree cavities, producing 2–4 white eggs. The parents cooperate in rearing their young.

Its diet consists mostly of fruit, including the fruits of Cecropia trees and the palm Oenocarpus bacaba. The serrated edges of the green aracari's large bill help the bird to grip and gather fruit. Insects are also an occasional part of the diet, giving the birds additional protein.

In captivity it is the most frequently... Wikipedia →