Collared Aracari

Identification

The Collared Aracari is a striking medium-sized toucan, measuring 38–41 cm long and weighing 175–250 g. Like all toucans, it sports a large, distinctive bill with a narrow white line at its base. The maxilla is buffy white darkening to dull reddish brown, with black and yellowish notches; the tip and culmen are black, while the mandible is entirely black. Males have slightly longer bills than females, though plumage is identical between sexes.

Adults of the nominate subspecies display glossy black upperparts contrasting with a distinctive narrow cinnamon-rufous collar at the nape. The lower back, rump, and uppertail coverts are bright red. The head, throat, and upper breast are greenish black, while the lower breast and belly are yellow with a variable red wash and central black spot; a narrow red and black band crosses the upper belly. Thighs are cinnamon to rufous. Juveniles are much duller, with sooty-black heads and chests, brownish-olive upperparts, and paler red and yellow markings. In flight, their wings produce an audible whir.