!

Please Note

Please Note: The National Aviary will be CLOSED Thurs., April 23 and Fri., April 24 so people may enjoy football festivities. We will reopen at 10 am on Sat., April 25! Plan Your Next Visit

Close Announcement

Our Animals

Curl-crested Aracari Pteroglossus beauharnaisii

FUN FACT

This species has very unusual curlicue feathers on top of its head that make it look like it has a perm!

The Curl-crested Aracari is an eye-catching small toucan found in lowland forests in parts of Peru, Brazil, and Bolivia. It is very colorful, with bright yellow, red, and green feathers and a multi-colored bill. Its most distinctive feature is the glossy black curlicue feathers atop its head. They eat mostly fruits but occasionally will eat the eggs of other birds. This species is not globally threatened but is vulnerable to human hunting activities.

Curl-crested Aracari

Pteroglossus beauharnaisii
Neotropical

Habitat

Occurs in lowland wet forest, forest edges, and clearings, and lower hill forest

Diet

Fruits; also eggs and nestlings of other birds

Status

Least Concern

Breeding

The breeding information about this species is almost completely unknown! Curl-crested Aracaris have been observed bowing and calling in courtship displays. It is thought that they may nest in groups.

SSP Logo

The National Aviary is home to more than 500 birds and other animals representing 150 species; some of which live in behind-the-scenes habitats. To enhance our guests’ educational experience, and with regard to individual bird preferences, different species may spend time in various public-facing habitats.

In The News

See All News

Ten things to do in Pittsburgh this summer that are actually worth your time | Pitt News

Once finals week ends and most of the college students leave for the summer, Pittsburgh turns into a completely different city.

Read More »

Pittsburgh second graders get a unique environmental lesson on the North Shore | CBS News

On Saturday morning in Pittsburgh, second graders had the chance to get their hands a little dirty while learning all about nature. The kids were taking part in learning about birds, their environments, and planting trees that will help the birds have food and shelter.

Read More »

This Food Garland Will Have Birds Flocking To Your Yard – It’s So Simple To Make (Ft. Insight from National Aviary Ornithologist Bob Mulvihill) | Gardening Know How

Fuel your yard's birds up with all the spring strength they need, and attract new varieties too with this simple food garland.

Read More »

5 Things to Do on the North Shore & North Side | Pittsburgh Magazine

The home of both the Steelers’ Acrisure Stadium and the Pirates’ PNC Park, the historic North Side and riverfront North Shore are full of tourist destinations large and small, plus food, trails and scenic river views.

Read More »

Experience Pittsburgh during the draft with these things to do near the action | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

But if you feel moving too much is for the birds and prefer a more serene experience, The National Aviary offers an immersive and open rendezvous with 500 birds of all shapes, sizes and rarity levels.

Read More »