The Collared Aracari (Pteroglossus torquatus) is slightly smaller than the Black Neck Aracari at about 175 grams and twelve inches in length. It is a native of Central America ranging from southern Mexico to northern Colombia. It is usually seen in small flocks moving through the trees, and they are very active and gregarious as they move through the trees in search of fruits and berries.

Aviculture: Outdoor flights should be at least 4' x 8' x 4' for aracaris (Even larger flights should be used if possible!).

Aracaris are quite docile compared to the larger toucans, and can more readily be housed with small birds in a planted aviary, though again not with finch sized birds.

Aracaris are frugivorous birds, whose primary diet is fruit. In the wild they consume fruits from as many as 100 species of plants and trees. They also consume a variety of insects for protein, especially during their nesting cycle.

They MUST be fed FRESH fruit every day! The fruit diet should also be supplemented with a low iron protein source (such as Mazuri Low Iron Softbill diet by Purina Mills).

Toucans are not as difficult to breed as often thought and must be housed alone in pairs, preferably following the size enclosures mentioned above under housing. While they will breed in boxes, with a concave bottom, they are far more likely to breed if they are provided with a "natural" nest, constructed from a palm tree log. Logs allow these birds to continually dig their nest chamber deeper, which helps them cement the pair bond. 

All Ramphastids lay pure white, elliptical shaped eggs, usually 3-4 per clutch. Incubation for all species lasts 16 days, and young fledge the nest at 40-42 days.

First captive breeding: June 15, 1989; Jerry Jennings. 

CITES status: Not Listed.

Emerald Forest Bird Gardens