| Green Aracari | |
|---|---|
| Female at Philadelphia Zoo, Pennsylvania, USA | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Piciformes |
| Family: | Ramphastidae |
| Genus: | Pteroglossus |
| Species: | P. viridis |
| Binomial name | |
| Pteroglossus viridis Linnaeus, 1766 |
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The Green Aracari, Pteroglossus viridis, is a toucan, a near-passerine bird found in the lowland forests of northeastern South America (the Guiana Shield), in the northeast Amazon Basin, the Guianas and the eastern Orinoco River drainage of Venezuela. At 30-40 cm. (12-16 in) long and weighing 110-160 grams (3.9-5.7 oz.), it is the smallest aracari in its range,[1][2] and among the smallest members of the toucan family.
The species is named for the green feathers covering its back, but males and females can be distinguished by different colors on the head and neck. Males have black feathers on the top, while female's crowns are reddish-brown.[3]
Its diet consists mostly of fruit, including the fruits of Cecropia trees and the palm Oenocarpus bacaba.[4] The serrated edges of the green aracari's large bill help the bird to grip and gather fruit. Insects are also an occasional part of the diet, giving the birds protein.[3]
Breeding occurs from February to June. It nests in tree cavities, producing 2–4 white eggs.[4] Both parents cooperate in rearing their young.[3]
In captivity it is the most frequently bred aracari and member of the toucan family and is the most popular as a tame hand fed pet. They require a large cage due to their active nature, and a high fruit diet. The cage also requires toys to prevent boredom. When all these requirements are met the potential owner is rewarded with a loving companion bird for many years.[4]
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