Green aracari

Species of bird

Green aracari
Female at Philadelphia Zoo, Pennsylvania, USA
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
CITES Appendix II (CITES)[2]
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Piciformes
Family:	Ramphastidae
Genus:	Pteroglossus
Species:	P. viridis
Binomial name
Pteroglossus viridis (Linnaeus, 1766)
Synonyms
Ramphastos viridis Linnaeus, 1766

The green araçari (Pteroglossus viridis), is a

aracari in its range,^[3][4] and among the smallest members of the toucan family

.

Taxonomy and systematics

Denver, Colorado.

The green aracari was originally classified in the genus Ramphastos

Males' crowns are black, while females' are reddish brown.[5]

Behaviour and ecology

Breeding

Breeding occurs from February to June. It nests in tree cavities, producing 2–4 white eggs.^[6] The parents cooperate in rearing their young.^[5]

Food and feeding

Its diet consists mostly of fruit, including the fruits of Cecropia trees and the palm Oenocarpus bacaba.^[6] 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.^[5]

Pets

In captivity it is the most frequently bred member of the toucan family and is the most popular as a tame hand-fed pet. It requires a large cage and toys to prevent boredom due to its active nature, and a high-fruit diet. When all these requirements are met it is an affectionate companion for many years.^{[citation needed]}

References