Curl-crested aracari


The curl-crested aracari, curl-crested araçari or curly-crested aracari is a species of bird in the family Ramphastidae, the toucans. The species was first described by Johann Georg Wagler in 1832.

Description

It measures long and weighs. On account of its relatively long tail and curly crest, it was formerly placed in the monotypic genus Beauharnaisius.

Distribution and habitat

The curl-crested aracari is found in the south-western section of the Amazon Basin, with the Amazon River being its northern range limit. Near the Amazon River, its range extends east to about the Madeira River, while in the southern half of its range it extends east to the Xingu River. It is generally rare to uncommon, but regularly seen at several localities, including the Tambopata National Reserve in Peru, the Noel Kempff Mercado National Park in Bolivia, and the Cristalino State Park near Alta Floresta in Brazil. Its natural habitat is tropical moist lowland forests.

Behaviour

It is primarily a frugivore, but will also take nestlings of birds such as the yellow-rumped cacique.

Status and conservation

Due to its extensive range, it is considered to be of least concern by BirdLife International and consequently the IUCN.

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Aviculture

The curl-crested aracari is a popular pet toucan and the most frequently kept 'small toucan' after the green aracari. It requires a large cage for its size, as well as several perches and toys due to its active nature. Curl crested aracaris like all toucans, need a high-fruit diet which without they are susceptible to a disease of excessive iron storage.

Literature