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Overview
Black-necked aracari

Black-necked aracari

Wikipedia

The black-necked aracari or black-necked araçari is a near-passerine bird in the toucan family Ramphastidae. It is found in Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, and Venezuela.

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Distribution

Region

Northern South America (Guianas and northern Amazon Basin)

Typical Environment

Occupies humid lowland rainforest across Brazil north of the Amazon, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, and parts of Venezuela. Favors forest edges, riverine and gallery forests, and tall secondary growth where fruiting trees are abundant. Often visits forest clearings and plantations (e.g., cacao and mixed orchards). Typically forages in the mid- to upper canopy but may descend to lower levels at fruiting shrubs.

Altitude Range

0–1200 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size35–41 cm
Wing Span40–50 cm
Male Weight0.21 kg
Female Weight0.19 kg
Life Expectancy12 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 2/5

Useful to know

The black-necked aracari is a small toucan of the Guiana Shield and northern Amazon Basin, often seen in small, noisy groups moving between fruiting trees. Its oversized, patterned bill helps it reach and manipulate fruit, and it plays an important role in seed dispersal. It nests in tree cavities and commonly roosts communally, with several birds squeezing into a single hole.

Gallery

Bird photo
Bird photo
Bird photo
Bird photo

Behaviour

Temperament

social and active

Flight Pattern

short, bounding flights with rapid wingbeats between trees

Social Behavior

Usually found in pairs or small groups of 3–6 birds that travel together between fruiting trees. Nests in natural cavities or old woodpecker holes; both parents incubate and feed young. Groups often roost communally in tree cavities.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Gives sharp, high-pitched squeals and yelps, often in repeated series. Also produces rattling calls and bill clacks during social interactions.

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