Curl-crested aracaris are commonly found in the tropical rainforests of western Brazil, southeastern Peru and northeastern Bolivia. Named for their shiny, tightly curled black crown feathers, this toucan also has a long, colorful bill that can grow up to four inches.
Life of a curl-crested aracari
Curl-crested aracaris grow up to one-and-a-half feet long and weigh around seven to 10 ounces. They live as long as 18 years in the wild. Males and females share the same colorful appearance, but females have a slightly shorter bill.
Curl-crested aracaris use their bills to drink water from tree crevices and to pick and eat fruit from trees. They sometimes eat bird eggs or small young birds too. Their bills are so important to their survival that they cover them while sleeping, flipping their tailfeathers over their head to conceal and protect them.
Curl-crested aracaris build nests in tree holes. Females and males share parenting duties, from building the nest to caring for the young. They work together to incubate eggs, feed chicks and keep the nest clean. Chicks hatch blind, without feathers, and require a lot of care. Three to six chicks will hatch after 16 days. They will be ready to leave the nest after about 43 to 50 days.
Curl-crested aracaris flock in groups of three to 12 and eat and sleep in small groups as well. Their predators include larger birds such as white hawks, ornate-hawk eagles and collared-forest falcons.
Curl-crested aracaris at the zoo
Located in the Treetops section of the Africa area.
