Chestnut-eared aracari – One of the toucan species seen here in Tambopata
31 July 2026 (232 visits)The chestnut-eared aracari (Pteroglossus castanotis) is a medium-sized toucan with a large yellow and black bill, native to South America's Amazon basin, and often spotted by bird lovers in our Tambopata rainforest. It was previously known as the chestnut-fronted aracari.
It is easily distinguished by birdwatchers from other species of aracari by the blue patch of skin around its eyes, and the prominent single horizontal red band across its yellow belly. Here at Tambopata Ecolodge, a group of birdwatchers who visited us from Germany told us that its combination of dark throat, yellow belly and red band reminded them of their national flag!
The unusual black and ivory-colored serrated markings on the chestnut-eared aracari’s bill resemble teeth. While both the males and females of the species have the same bill coloration, males can be identified by their larger bill. Adult females are also browner than the darker males.
The chestnut-eared aracari’s preferred habitats are forest edges and young forest. It has a preference for forest areas close to bodies of water and rivers or streams. Combined with its bright coloration, this means that it can be seen easily during boat and trail excursions. It is often found in pairs or small groups, particularly in fruiting trees. Along with many other bird species, its preference for fruit means that the best time to see this beautiful toucan is during the rainy season, when many rainforest trees are in fruit. When foraging for fruit, on occasion it can be spotted hanging upside down from branches to feed.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classification of the chestnut-eared aracari as of ‘Least Concern’ reflects its large range across much of the Amazon region of South America, and it is one of the most striking species our guests can hope to see during the Amazon rainforest trips we offer here in Peru, at Tambopata Ecolodge.
