Species profile
About this species
The Fiery-billed Aracari is a striking toucan found in the Pacific slopes of Costa Rica & western Panama, distinguished by its vivid orange-red upper mandible & bold plumage. It displays a bright yellow & red belly with a distinctive dark band, contrasting sharply with its glossy black head & green upperparts. This social species is typically found in small flocks & is known for its loud, sharp calls that echo through the forest canopy.
Fiery-billed Aracaris inhabit humid lowland & foothill forests, forest edges, & semi-open areas with tall trees, primarily on the Pacific slopes of Costa Rica & western Panama, typically ranging from sea level up to around 1500 metres elevation.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Fiery-billed Aracari with us in Costa Rica.
These departures are part of our Central America programme.
In the field, David Miles helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
Early morning hours between 6am & 9am are ideal, when the birds are most active & feeding. The dry season from December to April offers clearer skies & better light conditions in Costa Rica, making it the best period for photography.
Position yourself near fruiting trees at forest edges, as Fiery-billed Aracaris are attracted to fruit & will return repeatedly to productive feeding sites, giving you multiple composition opportunities. Use a fast shutter speed of at least 1/1000s to freeze the bird's quick movements & capture the vivid contrast between its multi-coloured bill & plumage in sharp detail. A telephoto lens of 400-600mm is recommended to maintain a respectful distance while still filling the frame with the bird's colourful features.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Fiery-billed Aracari
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.