The Green aracari (Pteroglossus viridis) is a species of bird in the family Ramphastidae, which includes toucans, toucanets, and aracaris. It is a relatively small toucan found in the lowland forests of northeastern South America.
[[File:Green aracari - Pteroglossus viridis.jpg|thumb|A male Green aracari]]
Description
The Green aracari is one of the smaller members of the toucan family, typically measuring about 30–40 cm (12–16 in) in length. It exhibits marked sexual dimorphism in head coloration.
- Males have a glossy black head and neck, dark green upperparts, and bright yellow underparts with a distinctive reddish-orange band across the belly. The bare skin around the eye is pale blue. Its bill is relatively long, with a yellowish or horn-colored upper mandible and a black lower mandible.
- Females are similar in overall plumage but have a chestnut-brown head and neck instead of black.
- Juveniles are generally duller in coloration, with less defined markings and a smaller bill.
Habitat and Range
The Green aracari is native to northeastern South America. Its range includes Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and parts of northern Brazil and eastern Venezuela. It inhabits tropical lowland rainforests, gallery forests, forest edges, secondary growth, and even plantations. It prefers areas with dense vegetation and a good supply of fruit.
Diet
Like other aracaris, the Green aracari is primarily frugivorous, feeding on a wide variety of fruits found in its forest habitat. However, its diet is not exclusively fruit-based; it is also known to consume insects, spiders, bird eggs, and small vertebrates, especially during the breeding season to supplement protein intake.
Behavior and Ecology
Green aracaris are social birds, typically found in small flocks of 6 to 10 individuals. They are often seen foraging together in the forest canopy. Their calls include high-pitched pseeet notes and harsher crek calls.
They are cavity nesters, utilizing natural tree hollows or abandoned nests of woodpeckers. Females typically lay 2 to 4 white eggs. Both parents participate in incubating the eggs and raising the young.
Conservation Status
The Green aracari is classified as "Least Concern" by the IUCN Red List. Its population is considered stable, and it has a wide range, facing no immediate significant threats. It is locally common throughout its habitat.