Curl-crested Aracari - A Toucan with Fabulous Jheri Curls

The Curl-Crested Aracari, scientifically known as Pteroglossus beauharnaisii, is a captivating near-passerine bird belonging to the toucan family Ramphastidae. This unique avian species is native to the southwestern Amazon Basin, with its habitat stretching across Bolivia, Brazil, and Peru. Its striking appearance, intriguing behavior, and interesting feeding habits make it a subject of fascination for ornithologists and bird enthusiasts alike.

Curl-Crested Aracari 

( Pteroglossus beauharnaisii )

    

Scientific classification
Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Piciformes
Family:	Ramphastidae
Genus:	Pteroglossus
Species:	P. beauharnaisii

The Curl-Crested Aracari, scientifically known as Pteroglossus beauharnaisii, is a captivating near-passerine bird belonging to the toucan family Ramphastidae. This unique avian species is native to the southwestern Amazon Basin, with its habitat stretching across Bolivia, Brazil, and Peru. Its striking appearance, intriguing behavior, and interesting feeding habits make it a subject of fascination for ornithologists and bird enthusiasts alike.

The Curl-Crested Aracari is a medium-sized bird, measuring approximately 42 to 46 cm (17 to 18 in) in length and weighing between 164 to 280 g (5.8 to 9.9 oz). Both males and females share similar appearances, with the only noticeable difference being the slightly shorter bill in females. The distinguishing feature that gives this bird its English name is the unique curly, shiny, black feathers adorning the top of its head and nape, resembling plastic or enamel pieces. 

 

Their beak is a remarkable blend of colors, with a brown-orange line at its base, ivory-colored "teeth" along the tomium, and an ivory mandible that turns orangey at its tip. The maxilla showcases an orangey culmen and a maroon stripe along its lower part, which is wider at the base. Between them, the maxilla exhibits shades of green or bluish hues. Complementing these striking features is the bare blue skin surrounding their eye, while their cheeks and throat display a whitish tone with black speckles. The upper back and rump are adorned with red plumage, while the rest of the upper parts appear in shades of dark green. Their underparts exhibit a vibrant yellow color, accentuated by a broad red band across the lower breast. Immature Curl-Crested Aracaris have a duller version of the adult's appearance.

Distribition & Habitat

Compiled by Birdlife International and Handbook pf the Birds of the World (2016)

The Curl-Crested Aracari inhabits the lush landscapes of the southwestern Amazon Basin, particularly south of the Amazon River. Its habitat extends from the northern regions of Peru, south of the Marañón River, eastwards into western Brazil along the Madeira River, and southeastwards to the Xingu River. Additionally, it can also be found in northern and central Bolivia. This bird prefers a variety of habitats, including the interior, clearings, and edges of both well-drained and swampy forests. Although it is primarily found at elevations below 500 m (1,600 ft), some sightings have been reported as high as 900 m (3,000 ft) near the Andes.

 

Feeding Habits

An Aracari holding fruit in its beak via Pinterest

They are known to forage in groups, often consisting of up to 12 individuals. These groups are frequently observed in the canopy of the forests, but they also feed on fruiting bushes closer to the ground. Their diet mainly comprises fruits, although they are also known to consume eggs and young birds from other species. In particular, they have been observed tearing apart the nests of yellow-rumped caciques

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yellow-rumped caciques

The yellow-rumped caciques is a slender bird found in many parts of northern South America, from Panama to Peru and Bolivia. The male is around 28 centimeters long and weighs about 104 grams, while the female is smaller at 23 centimeters and 60 grams. This bird has mainly black feathers, but its lower belly, tail base, and wings have bright yellow patches. The male's song is a beautiful mix of fluting notes, cackles, wheezes, and mimicry, and they are often heard from a distance.

In Peruvian folklore, this bird is known as "paucar" or "paucarcillo," and it is said to have originated from a rumor-spreading boy who was turned into a noisy bird by a disguised fairy he falsely accused. The bird's appearance is believed to bring good news.

to obtain their eggs and young.

Behaviour

Curl-crested aracari by  PublicDomainPictures via Pixabay

Movement

The curl-crested aracari tends to move short distances within its local area but usually stays in the same region throughout the year.

Breeding

The breeding season of the Curl-Crested Aracari appears to be mostly from May to August, though there is a possibility it could begin earlier and extend for a longer duration. Unfortunately, details about their nest, eggs, and overall breeding biology remain scarce and require further research to gain a comprehensive understanding.

Vocalization

Their vocalizations possess distinctive characteristics, comprising a series of "deep 'rrek' notes, soft 'rrr' to hard, even grunting 'grenk' notes." Moreover, when settling into a roost, they emit a softer "et-et" sound.

These vocalizations play a crucial role in defining their territory, communicating with mates, and establishing hierarchical structures within their social groups. As an integral part of the rich biodiversity in the Amazon rainforest, their unique calls contribute to the acoustic tapestry of this diverse ecosystem.

Conservation Status

Currently, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified the Curl-Crested Aracari as a species of Least Concern. This designation is ascribed to its vast distribution across the expansive and ecologically significant Amazon Basin.

Nevertheless, the precise estimation of the population size of this avian creature remains elusive, leading to apprehensions regarding its potential decline. The lack of substantial data on its biology presents a formidable obstacle in formulating and implementing adequate safeguarding strategies should the need arise.

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References

• Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, T. A. Fredericks, J. A. Gerbracht, D. Lepage, S. M. Billerman, B. L. Sullivan, and C. L. Wood. 2022. The eBird/Clements checklist of Birds of the World: v2022. Retrived on July 28, 2023, from
  https://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/download/.
 
• Normand David, Rick Wright, Andy Elliott, and Thiago V. V. Costa "Reasserting the valid name of the Curl-crested Aracari (Aves, Ramphastidae): Pteroglossus beauharnaisii Wagler, 1831," The Bulletin of Zoological Nomenclature 77(1), 70-75, (30 April 2020). Retrived on July 28, 2023, from
https://doi.org/10.21805/bzn.v77.a022.

• BirdLife International. 2016. Pteroglossus beauharnaesii. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22682041A92929106.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016- 3.RLTS.T22682041A92929106.en.

• Short, L. L. and A. Bonan (2021). Curl-crested Aracari (Pteroglossus beauharnaisii), version 1.1. In Birds of the World (J. del Hoyo, A. Elliott, J. Sargatal, D. A. Christie, and E. de Juana, Editors). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. Retrived on July 28, 2023, from
https://doi.org/10.2173/bow.cucara1.01.1.