JJ                                                                                                                        Curl-crested Aracari
IUCN: Least Concern

JJ is a gentle, social curl-crested aracari (Pteroglossus beauharnaessi) that is one of the smallest members of the toucan family. These primarily fruit-eating birds are native to the tropical lowland forests of the southwestern Amazon basin.  

Even with its long tail, a curl-crested aracari only reaches about 16 to 18 inches in length, and generally weighs less than 10 ounces! What these birds lack in size relative to many other members of the toucan family, they certainly make up for in personality and style. JJ has splashes of colored and speckled plumage and skin, along with the glossy, curly feathers  at the top of his head (which feel like plastic) that give his species their common name.

Although curl-crested aracaris have a current Least Concern IUCN designation, their wild population numbers are decreasing, as are those of some other members of the toucan family. Meeting JJ gives us the chance to connect with this fascinating family of birds and learn how important and unique they are.

For more information on aracaris and other toucans, visit Emerald Forest Bird Gardens. 

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