The lettered aracari or lettered araçari is a near-passerine bird in the toucan family Ramphastidae. It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Region
Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland tropical rainforests across northern Bolivia, western and central Brazil, southeastern Colombia, eastern Ecuador, and northeastern Peru. It favors terra firme and seasonally flooded várzea forests, frequently using river corridors and forest edges. The species also ventures into secondary growth and fruiting trees in disturbed habitats near intact forest. It typically forages in the mid- to upper canopy but will descend to lower levels when following fruiting events.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This small toucan gets its name from the dark, letter-like scribbles on its pale bill. It is an active fruit-eater and an important seed disperser in Amazonian forests. Pairs nest in tree cavities—often old woodpecker holes—and both parents share incubation and chick-rearing duties.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with swift, undulating flight
Social Behavior
Often travels in small, loose flocks or family groups and may join mixed-species toucan flocks at fruiting trees. Nests in natural cavities or abandoned woodpecker holes, where both parents incubate and feed the young. Communal roosting in cavities is frequent outside the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are sharp, repeated notes and squeaky chatter, often delivered in quick series. Calls carry well through the canopy and are used to keep contact within small groups.
