Fun Green Aracari Facts For Kids

The green aracari is one of the smallest members of the Pteroglossus genus, order Piciformes, family Ramphastida. It is not as small as the smallest toucan: the tawny-tufted toucanet. However, compared to the toco toucan, it is still one of the smallest birds of the aracari species.

This bird species has a unique bill with a serrated edge. Their bill is also more hooked at the end than the bill of the other aracari species.

The serrated edge of their bill works like a knife and the bill can hold on to the fruit that they find while foraging. The green aracari resembles the lettered aracari quite a lot but it does not have a yellow-colored band across the abdomen like other aracaris. The green aracari has a completely yellow-colored chest.

While their population has declined over the years, they are not yet considered to be vulnerable. However, these birds are often the targets of larger birds who pick them as prey. Keep reading for more amazing facts about the green aracari!

If you liked this article about the green aracari, also check out the other articles with interesting facts about the keel-billed toucan and blue-winged parrotlet.

Green Aracari Interesting Facts

What type of animal is a green aracari?

The green aracari (Pteroglossus viridis) is a type of a toucan bird.

What class of animal does a green aracari belong to?

The green aracari (Pteroglossus viridis) belongs to the Aves class of animal, order Piciformes, family Ramphastidae.

How many green aracaris are there in the world?

The exact population of green aracaris (Pteroglossus viridis) in the world has not yet been calculated by researchers and scientists as they are found in the wild as well as in zoos and private collections. However, their population is considered to be stable and not at any immediate risk of extinction.

Where does a green aracari live?

The green aracari (Pteroglossus viridis) is mostly found in northern South America as well as northeast South America. It is found in the countries of Brazil, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana.  

What is a green aracari's habitat?

The usual habitat of the green aracari (Pteroglossus viridis) is lowland or tropical forests located in the Amazon basin or the  Orinoco river drainage system in the countries of Brazil, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana.  

Who do green aracaris live with?

Green aracaris are quite social and they roost together in the wilds of northern South America throughout the year. They are mostly found sitting together at the top of the trees in forests.

They forage and feed together by climbing down to the lower levels of the tree to find food. Around five adults and their offspring can be found resting and sleeping in the same hole. They also migrate in medium-sized flocks when there is a food shortage in their usual habitat.

How long does a green aracari live?

The average green aracari lifespan is approximately seven to eight years.

How do they reproduce?

The breeding season for this species occurs from February to June. The breeding nests are found quite high up in the trees where the female bird lays two to four eggs and incubates them for approximately two weeks (16-19 days).

The chicks start to fledge almost five weeks after hatching. The male also takes care of their offspring as the male and female birds feed them together till they are 6-8 weeks old. Newly born chicks are blind and have thick pads on their feet to protect them from the rough surface of their nest.

What is their conservation status?

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed the green aracari (Pteroglossus viridis) species under the Least Concern category in the IUCN Red List.

Green Aracari Fun Facts

What does green aracaris look like?

The green aracari species is named after the dark green colored feathers on its back. It is a truly colorful bird as it has bright yellow feathers on its chest and a multicolored beak. Males have a black head and neck, but the female birds have dark red or brown heads and necks.

These birds are sexually dimorphic and males and females have slightly dissimilar physical features. While males have a black head and darker coloration, the female bird has a muted, brown, or dark red coloration.

Their beak is a unique combination of red, yellow, black, and blue colors. The area around their eyes is bright blue or turquoise in color. When these birds go to sleep, they fold their long tails over their back to fit into their nest.

How cute are they?

The green aracaris (Pteroglossus viridis) are extremely cute! Due to their small size, bright colors, and friendly nature: they are one of the best birds to be around.

How do they communicate?

The green aracari species mainly use sound and call each other when they face danger. They also vocalize during the breeding season while attracting mates.

How big is a green aracari?

Green aracaris are one of the smallest members of the toucan and aracari family. The average length of a green aracari bird is 12-16 in (30-40 cm). The average length of their beak is 2.5 in (6.3 cm).

A great green macaw  is twice the size of a Pteroglossus viridis (green aracari) as it usually grows up to (85-90 cm) in length.

How fast can a green aracari fly?

Most toucans are not known for their speed of flight. Toucans love to fly over a large space for a long time and usually fly up to a speed of 40 mph (64.4 kph). Toco toucan also flies around the same speed.

How much does a green aracari weigh?

The average weight of a green aracari bird (Pteroglossus viridis) is 3.8-5.6 oz (99-159 g).

What are the male and female names of the species?

There are no distinct names to refer to the male or female green aracari toucan. Consequently, they are simply referred to as male green aracari and female green aracari birds.

What would you call a baby green aracari?

A baby green aracari (Pteroglossus viridis) does not have a separate, distinct name. Therefore, it is referred to as a green aracari toucan chick or nestling.

What do they eat?

The diet of green aracaris mostly consists of different types of fruit in the wild.  Their diet includes nuts, palm leaves, or seasonal fruit. They also include insects and small animals in their diet for protein.

Are they dangerous?

The Pteroglossus viridis (green aracari) bird is not dangerous at all. This bird does not cause harm to any other bird or human beings. Rather, they are quite approachable.  

Would they make a good pet?

The green aracari (Pteroglossus viridis) would make a wonderful pet! This bird is the most bred member of the toucan species and can be found in zoos or in private collections as pet birds.

They are very affable, social, and affectionate which makes them great pets. They are also very active and require a large space to fly around freely just like the scarlet macaw.

Did you know...

During the breeding season, when the aracari pair has to build their own nest to lay the eggs - they simply choose to use an abandoned woodpecker hole! Thus, their nesting spots are found pretty high up in the tree trunks.

How much does green aracaris cost?

Green aracari toucans are widely bred for the purpose of keeping them as a pet.

They may not be as expensive as the hyacinth macaw, they are still quite expensive as one green aracari pet breeding pair costs around $2800 USD. In addition to that, they also require extensive and constant care to ensure that they are getting all their needs met.

These birds may be one of the smallest members of the aracari family but they still require a large cage as well as vast space to get exercise.

Is an aracari a toucan?

Medium-sized toucans are referred to as aracari birds. All the aracari bird species belong to the genus Pteroglossus which makes it easier to classify them.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! For more relatable content, check out these great blue turaco facts and black woodpecker facts for kids.

You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable Green aracari coloring pages.