One of the larger Aracaris the pale mandibled Aracaris is generally viewed as a subspecies of the more widely known collared Aracari. They can be differentiated as different species from the variation in the length and shape of their beak and the colouring on their breast. They are found primarily in the low lying areas of north-western Ecuador where numbers remain plentiful.
Their beak is an ivory orange in colour with a black stripe running down the edge of the upper and as with the collared Aracari, they exhibit a black spot on the center of the upper breast. Whether it is with the cold Aracari is they have a horizontal dark stripe on the lower breast which is red on the collared Aracari.
Breeding
At one point the very commonly bred Aracaris in captivity, however they are no longer as popular as other varieties of toucan Aracari. Pairs mate for life and are most likely to breed if their home environment is managed to keep them as stress free and happy as possible
Housing your pale mandible Aracaris
Your pale mandible Aracaris should be kept in an outdoor aviary, the larger the better, and at least 3 x 2 m. Unlike many of the larger toucans they are relatively docile and can be housed with other birds (though not with finch sized birds – they will eat them!)
They like to bath and ideally in the warmer months sprinkler would be put on part of their aviary to allow them to shower. They are a warm weather bird so attempting to keep them in a cold climate will be unsuccessful unless you install heating into your aviary.
Feeding your pale mandible Aracaris
As with all Aracaris they are primarily fruit eaters supplementing this diet of fruit with right of insects eggs of other birds and sometimes small animals such as lizards. They are intolerant of iron rich foods so ensure they are not given high iron sources such as broccoli or beef and given a weak tea once a month which will help leach the iron from their system. Your local pet shop to be on supplying a low iron protein feed the soft bills
These birds are rare in Australia with few breeders and enthusiast keeping them and are more often only seen in Zoos and commercial aviaries.
If you are looking to keep these birds as pets, you may need to consider importing them.
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