The pale-mandibled aracari or pale-billed araçari is a near-passerine bird in the toucan family Ramphastidae. It is found in Ecuador and Peru.
Region
Tumbes–Chocó–Magdalena
Typical Environment
Occurs on the western (Pacific) slopes of the Andes in western Ecuador and extreme northwestern Peru. It inhabits humid lowland and foothill evergreen forests, forest edges, riparian corridors, and tall secondary growth. The species frequently forages in the mid-story to canopy, visiting fruiting trees in mixed-species flocks. It can persist in mosaic landscapes with remnant forest patches and shade plantations when large fruiting trees remain.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This aracari is a small toucan of the Tumbes–Chocó region, easily recognized by its pale, ivory-toned bill. It often travels in small, noisy parties through the canopy and roosts communally in tree cavities. Primarily a fruit-eater, it plays an important role in seed dispersal across fragmented forests. It adapts reasonably well to secondary growth and forest edges compared with some larger toucans.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with bounding, undulating flight between trees
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small groups that move through the canopy and edges. It nests and roosts in natural cavities or old woodpecker holes, often with several individuals sharing a roost. Courtship includes mutual preening and bill-touching, and both parents attend the nest.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include sharp, squeaky notes and nasal, piping calls given in series from high perches. Groups keep contact with chattering and rattling calls while foraging.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with a red rump and chestnut nuchal collar; underparts largely yellow with a central black breast spot and a red band across the lower belly.
Diet
Feeds mainly on a wide variety of fruits, especially figs and other soft, lipid-rich species, which it swallows whole and later regurgitates the seeds. Supplements diet with insects and other arthropods, and occasionally takes eggs or small vertebrates. Its fruit-focused diet makes it an effective seed disperser across disturbed habitats.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid-story and canopy of humid forests, forest edges, and along rivers. Often visits fruiting trees in secondary growth and shade coffee or cacao plantations.
