The many-banded aracari or many-banded araçari is a near-passerine bird in the toucan family Ramphastidae. It is found in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.
Region
Western and northern Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland tropical rainforests of Brazil (western Amazon), southeastern Colombia, eastern Ecuador, northeastern Peru, and southern Venezuela. Favors terra firme forest but also uses várzea edges, secondary growth, and forest margins. Most active in the mid- to upper canopy, occasionally descending to fruiting trees along rivers and clearings. It tolerates some habitat disturbance where fruiting trees remain but is most abundant in intact forest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The many-banded aracari is a fruit-specialist toucan that plays an important role in rainforest seed dispersal. It typically moves in small, noisy groups through the canopy and edges of lowland Amazonian forest. Like other aracaris, it nests in tree cavities, often reusing old woodpecker holes. Its large bill is strong yet lightweight, helping it reach and manipulate fruit.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with bounding, canopy-level flights
Social Behavior
Often travels in pairs or small parties, sometimes joining mixed-species frugivore flocks. Nests in natural cavities or old woodpecker holes; both sexes participate in incubation and feeding of young. Generally maintains territories around fruiting trees during the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are a series of sharp, yelping notes and rattling calls carrying through the canopy. Also gives chattering contact calls while foraging in groups.
Plumage
Glossy dark green upperparts with blackish head and nape; bright yellow underparts crossed by multiple narrow dark and reddish bands, and a red rump. The bill is long and bicolored with contrasting pale and dark areas, typical of aracaris.
Diet
Primarily eats a wide variety of fruits, including figs and palm drupes. Supplements diet with large insects and other arthropods, and occasionally takes eggs or nestlings. Swallows small fruits whole and later regurgitates seeds, aiding long-distance seed dispersal.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid- and upper canopy of mature rainforest, along forest edges, and in riverine corridors. Frequently visits fruiting trees and mixed-species fruiting aggregations.
