Green Aracari

Aracaris are a bird species (Pteroglossus ) belonging to the Ramphastidae family, commonly known as toucans. There are about fifteen species of aracaris, all with very colourful plumage and long hollow beaks, which are sometimes serrated. They live in the canopy of South America's vast rainforests and feed mainly on fruits and insects. Sometimes they raid the nests of other species to feed on the eggs or young birds. They nest in holes in large trees or in nests abandoned by woodpeckers. A special feature of aracaris is that, outside the breeding season, their nests are used as dormitories for up to six birds. To save space, each bird rests its beak on its back and raises its tail like a fan to form a kind of roof. The green aracari is the smallest of the Pteroglossus genus. It is unusual because it flies fast and in a straight line. It has a long beak with a red base, a serrated, yellow and rust-coloured upper mandible and a black lower mandible. Its breast and belly are yellow. It is named for the green feathers that cover its back.