Curl-crested araçari, Curly-crested aracari
The curl-crested aracari, curl-crested araçari or curly-crested aracari (Pteroglossus beauharnaisii ) is a species of bird in the family Ramphastidae, the toucans. The species was first described by Johann Georg Wagler in 1831.
It measures 40–45 cm (16–18 in) long and weighs 190–280 g (7–10 oz). On account of its relatively long tail and curly crest (the latter only visible up close), it was formerly placed in the monotypic genus Beauharnaisius.
The curl-crested aracari is found in the south-western section of the Amazon Basin, with the Amazon River being its northern range limit. Near the Amazon River, its range extends east to about the Madeira River, while in the southern half of its range it extends east to the Xingu River. It is generally rare to uncommon, but regularly seen at several localities, including the Tambopata National Reserve in Peru, the Noel Kempff Mercado National Park in Bolivia, and the Cristalino State Park near Alta Floresta in Brazil. Its natural habitat is tropical moist lowland forests.
It is primarily a frugivore, but will also take nestlings of birds such as the yellow-rumped cacique.
The curl-crested aracari is a popular pet toucan and the most frequently kept 'small toucan' after the green aracari. It requires a large cage for its size, as well as several perches and toys due to its active nature. Curl crested aracaris like all toucans, need a high-fruit diet which without they are susceptible to a disease of excessive iron storage.
