Green Aracari
Pteroglossus viridis
Common small toucan of rainforest canopy. The key field mark is the clear yellow belly that contrasts sharply with a dark breast. Usually seen in small groups at fruiting trees in clearings and at river edges. Like other toucans, sometimes rests on bare branches above the canopy; groups cross gaps in single file. Chuckling calls are woodpecker-like in quality. Similar to Black-necked Aracari in size, shape, and behavior, but lacks bands on belly, has a more colorful bill, and is more restricted to tall rainforest.
Identification
Males' crowns are black, while females' are reddish brown.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Pteroglossus viridis
- Authority
- (Linnaeus, 1766)
- Order
- Piciformes
- Family
- Ramphastidae
- Genus
- Pteroglossus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Breeding occurs from February to June. It nests in tree cavities, producing 2–4 white eggs. The parents cooperate in rearing their young.<p>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 protein.
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Tawny-crowned Greenlet
Tunchiornis ochraceiceps
Small, often rather active little bird of shady forest understory in humid tropical lowlands; often in areas with understory palms. Usually in pairs at middle levels moving with mixed-species flocks that often include Golden-crowned Warbler and Red-crowned Ant-Tanager. Rather drab brownish overall with tawny bushy crest, paler gray face and throat, and piercing pale eye (can be hard to see in the shade). Often gives a twangy, nasal “dwoi-dwoi-dwoi” call and a high, insectlike, whining whistle.
Blackish Oystercatcher
Haematopus ater
Distinctive large chunky shorebird of rocky coasts, adjacent sandy beaches and river mouths. The only all-dark oystercatcher in South America, readily identified by wholly dark plumage, long orange-red bill, thick pinkish legs. Found as singles and pairs, less often small flocks (mainly when roosting), and associates readily with Magellanic and especially American Oystercatchers. Loud piping whistles sound similar to American Oystercatcher.
House Sparrow
Passer domesticus
Widespread and abundant in cities, neighborhoods and farms. Avoids dense woods. Flocks cluster in dense bushes, bustling around and chattering to one another. Males have smart black bibs, bright rufous napes, and stunningly patterned wings with brilliant buffs and browns. Underparts are pale pearly-gray. Females are plain brown with cute face and lighter eyebrow. Native to Eurasia; introduced to much of the rest of the world.
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