The Collared Aracari is a social, medium-sized toucan of lowland forests from Southern Mexico to Venezuela. It is frequently seen moving through the canopy in small, cohesive groups of 6 to 15 birds, some of which are related. It shows weak territoriality and is notable for its communal habits, including group foraging and shared use of tree cavities for roosting and nesting. They are known for having a "helpful" demeanor, with members of a group often caring for each other. Offspring from previous clutches will often help parents care for their siblings. Collareds are striking birds, with glossy black upperparts, and yellow body with distinct black and red markings. The breast has a large black spot, crossed with a narrow red and black band. The Venezuelan Collared Aracari, Pteroglossus torquatus nuchalis, differs from the nominate subspecies, Pteroglossus torquatus torquatus, in that it tends to have more red and a larger black spot on its breast, a thicker white band at the base of its bill, and all red skin around its eye, lacking the black skin between the eye and the bill.

Scientific Name: Pteroglossus torquatus torquatus
Range: Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama
IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern
CITES Listing: Not listed

Plumage:  Glossy greenish-black upperparts, yellow underparts with a variable red wash, a black spot on the breast, a red and black stripe across the belly, and a maroon collar on the neck
Eyes: Yellow eyes surrounded by bare, black skin near the bill, fading to bright red behind the eye
Bill: Large bill with a whitish-gray or pale yellow upper mandible, black lower mandible, white basal line, and a dark, serrated "saw-tooth" pattern on the edges

Length: 15 to 16 inches (38 to 41 centimeters)
Weight: 5 to 10 ounces (150 to 275 grams)

Vocalization: High-pitched, often harsh calls, such as "seek" or "pseek"

Breeding: Nests in tree cavities, laying 3-5 eggs, with both parents, and often multiple other adults, incubating and caring for the young