Chestnut-eared aracari in the Pantanal region of Brazil

© Ana Gram/Shutterstoc

A different kind of toucan. Chestnut-eared Aracari in the Pantanal, Brazil

This lesser-known member of the toucan family is a chestnut-eared aracari, named after that brownish plumage. Like other toucans, they have long, colourful bills but they are much more sociable nesters – up to six aracari adults and their babies will share the same nest, which they will lay eggs in year after year.

Toucans are found in tropical climates in Central and South America, mainly rainforests (our chestnut-eared friend tends to be found in the Amazon basin and throughout Bolivia). Known frugivores, or fruit eaters, they have also been spotted eating the occasional lizard or even rival bird. They tend to be friendly with humans and have been successfully kept as pets, but probably prefer the wild life.