When you picture a typical toucan, you might imagine the massive, entirely black-and-orange Toco toucan. However, the chestnut-eared aracari breaks that mold by being noticeably smaller and more slender, and by being adorned with a completely different, intricate color palette. Its most distinct physical characteristic is, naturally, the rich, chestnut-brown patch of feathers located just behind its eyes and over its “ears.” This earthy brown beautifully offsets its glossy black head and neck.
When trying to tell it apart from its close relatives, like the black-necked or Lettered aracari, its spectacular beak and belly are the ultimate giveaways. The upper half of its massive, lightweight bill is a pale, creamy yellow adorned with striking, saw-tooth-like ridges along the edge, while the lower half is a stark, solid black. Below this impressive beak, its chest and belly are a brilliant, sunny yellow, sharply interrupted by a bold, bright red horizontal band crossing right over its stomach.
Unlike many solitary birds, the chestnut-eared aracari is highly gregarious, often traveling in small, noisy flocks of up to a dozen individuals. They fly in a distinct, undulating pattern—flapping vigorously for a few seconds before gliding, swooping up and down through the jungle canopy. As they bounce from tree to tree in search of ripe figs, palm fruits, and the occasional protein-packed insect or small lizard, they serve as essential “jungle gardeners.” Because they swallow small fruits whole and travel vast distances, they constantly scatter seeds across the forest floor in their droppings, playing a crucial, everyday role in regenerating the rainforest ecosystem.
Distribution
Argentina
Bolivia
Brazil
Colombia
Ecuador
Paraguay
PeruAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Flock
Diet: Carnivore / Frugivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
