The Lettered Aracari is a small toucan found across southern Amazonia, typically found in pairs or small groups in the canopy of lowland forest and edges. Named for the squiggly dark markings (script or "letters") on its bill, this feature can readily distinguish them from the similar-looking Green Aracari (Pteroglossus viridis) of the Guiana Shield, with which It is suspected to form a superspecies. Lettereds are curious, energetic, and can be quite rambunctious and mischievous, requiring significant engagement from their caretakers. Humboldt’s Lettered Aracari (Pteroglossus inscriptus humboldti) is generally larger than the nominate subspecies, and has more black on the lower mandible.

Scientific Name: Pteroglossus inscriptus humboldti
Range: Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru
IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern
CITES Listing: Not listed

Plumage: Dark olive-green upperparts, uniformly yellow belly, and red rump. Males have a black head and neck, while females have a rich chestnut-brown head and neck.
Eyes: Red-brown eyes surrounded by bare skin that has a turquoise-blue stripe above the eye, black patch below the eye, and small red patch behind the eye
Bill: Yellow upper mandible with squiggly black vertical marks along the edge, and black lower mandible, with yellow basal band

Length: 13 to 16 inches (33 to 41 centimeters)
Weight: 4 to 6.5 ounces (113 to 185 grams)

Vocalization: A fast series of "kik" or "kek" notes

Breeding: Nests in tree cavities, laying 2-4 eggs, with both parents incubating and caring for the young