Lincoln Park Zoo

Common name: Green aracari Latin Name: Pteroglossus viridis Class: Birds Order:    Piciformes Description The smallest of the toucans, the green aracari still possesses a large, vibrantly colored beak, which can reach up to four inches in length. The species is named for the green feathers covering its back, but males and females can be distinguished by different colors on the head and neck. Males have black feathers on the top, while female’s crowns are reddish-brown.

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Range
Northern South America

Status
Common

Habitat
Tropical rain forest

Niche
Green aracaris are frugivores, meaning their diet is primarily composed of fruit. In the wild, they consume a wide variety of fruits as they ripen in the tree canopy. Insects are also an occasional part of the diet, giving them protein.

Life History
The green aracari nests in tree hollows and cavities, digging to expand the chambers for more room. Both parents cooperate in rearing their young.

Special Adaptations

• The serrated edges of the green aracari’s large bill help the bird to grip and gather fruit.