Canonical URL: https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/collared-aracari/ Species photography guide # Collared Aracari Photography Holidays *Pteroglossus torquatus* Explore our Collared Aracari photography holidays in [Costa Rica](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/central-america/costa-rica/), timed so photographers have strong chances to work with this species during the best seasonal conditions.Our small-group photography holidays prioritise time in the field, light, behaviour, positioning & repeatable photographic opportunities rather than rushed wildlife viewing. [View trips](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/collared-aracari/#nl-species-trips)[Where](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/collared-aracari/#nl-species-where)[Field notes](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/collared-aracari/#nl-species-field-notes)[Related species](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/collared-aracari/#nl-species-related) ![Collared Aracari photography holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/a-keel-billed-toucan-typical-of-the-kind-of-image-we-hope-you-will-capture-during-our-costa-rican-wildlife-photography-holiday-1024x683.jpg) ## At a glance Trips7 associated holidays Where[Costa Rica](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/central-america/costa-rica/) Led by[David Miles](https://natureslens.co.uk/about/david/) Species profile ## About this species The Collared Aracari is a strikingly colourful toucan found across Central America & northern South America. It features a bold black head & breast, vivid yellow underparts with a red & black band across the belly, and a large serrated bill with intricate markings. This social species is often seen in small flocks, moving noisily through the forest canopy in search of fruit. **Habitat** Collared Aracaris inhabit tropical & subtropical lowland forests, forest edges, & partially open woodland, typically at elevations below 1500 metres across Central America & north-western South America. [Species background](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collared_aracari) Where to photograph ## Where our trips feature this species You can photograph Collared Aracari with us in [Costa Rica](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/central-america/costa-rica/). These departures are part of our [Central America](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/central-america/) programme. In the field, [David Miles](https://natureslens.co.uk/about/david/) helps guests make the most of these encounters. Field notes ## Photography notes **Best time** Early morning shortly after dawn is ideal when aracaris are most active & the soft light enhances their vibrant plumage. The dry season - typically December to April in Central America - offers better visibility as forest undergrowth is less dense. **Approach** Position yourself near fruiting trees at the forest edge where aracaris regularly feed, as this gives clear sightlines & good background separation. Use a fast shutter speed of at least 1/800s to freeze movement, as these birds are highly active & rarely sit still for long. A telephoto lens of 400mm or more is recommended to fill the frame without disturbing the flock, allowing natural behaviour to unfold. Connected wildlife ## Often seen on the same trips On the trips associated with this species, photographers may also encounter: [Keel-Billed Toucan](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/keel-billed-toucan/)[King Vulture](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/king-vulture/)[Rufous-tailed Hummingbird](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/rufous-tailed-hummingbird/)[White-necked Jacobin](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/white-necked-jacobin/)[Basilisk Lizard](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/basilisk-lizard/)[Blue Jeans Poison Dart Frog](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/blue-jeans-poison-dart-frog/)[Chestnut-headed Oropendola](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/chestnut-headed-oropendola/)[Chestnut-mandibled Toucan](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/chestnut-mandibled-toucan/)[Emerald Toucanet](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/emerald-toucanet/)[Fiery-throated Hummingbird](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/fiery-throated-hummingbird/) Available holidays ## Trips featuring Collared 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. #### Guide connection David Miles leads trips where guests have the chance to photograph Collared Aracari in the field. [Meet David](https://natureslens.co.uk/about/david/) ![Essential Costa Rican Wildlife](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/a-keel-billed-toucan-typical-of-the-kind-of-image-we-hope-you-will-capture-during-our-costa-rican-wildlife-photography-holiday-1024x683.jpg) #### Related holiday Essential Costa Rican Wildlife gives guests time in Costa Rica where Collared Aracari can be part of the day's wildlife encounters. [View trip](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/costa-rica/essential-costa-rican-wildlife-2026/) Route Destination Signature Destination Photographing Collared Aracari Smaller & more sociable than the great toucans, the Collared Aracari is a colourful, chattering member of the toucan family that travels in noisy groups through forest edge & garden plantations. Its bill is ornately marked in black, yellow, & red; the breast carries a distinctive crimson band against a bright yellow belly. Aracaris are restless, fast-moving foragers that cover ground quickly – moving from fruiting tree to feeder with an energy that rewards photographers who learn to anticipate the next landing perch rather than waiting passively. Where NaturesLens Takes You NaturesLens photographs the Collared Aracari at fruit feeding stations & forest clearings across Costa Rica’s Caribbean lowlands, where small groups of 4-8 birds visit reliably throughout the day. Their sociable nature creates excellent opportunities for multi-bird interaction shots & behavioural images that go well beyond the standard perch portrait. Photography Technique & Gear The small size relative to true toucans means a longer focal length – 400-600mm – still fills the frame comfortably while separating the bird from the background. Keep autofocus in continuous mode: aracaris rarely hold a perch for long. Shoot in the golden hour for warm light on the red breast band, or on overcast days for the cleanest colour rendition of the multi-toned bill. The photography holidays listed below operate in regions & habitats where the Collared Aracari is regularly encountered. As with all wildlife photography, sightings can never be guaranteed, but our itineraries are designed around seasonal behaviour, suitable habitat, & photographic opportunity, giving you the best possible chance of meaningful encounters in the field. Our small-group approach allows time in the field to adapt to conditions, behaviour, & photographic opportunities as they unfold. You can photograph the Collared Aracari in Costa Rica. During our photography holidays, the Collared Aracari is often photographed alongside Keel-Billed Toucan, King Vulture, Rufous-tailed Hummingbird, White-necked Jacobin, Basilisk Lizard, & Blue Jeans Poison Dart Frog. Seasonal presence & photographic opportunity vary by location & time of year. Photography themes commonly associated with this species include Costa Rican photography, Costa Rican wildlife, the wildlife of Costa Rica, toucans, toucanets & aracari, various species of hummingbird, & amphibian macro photography. Single occupancy Group Size: 5-6 guests Experienced guidance 7 departures - [![Join Us For The Essential Costa Rican Wildlife Photography Tour](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/a-keel-billed-toucan-typical-of-the-kind-of-image-we-hope-you-will-capture-during-our-costa-rican-wildlife-photography-holiday-1024x683.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/costa-rica/essential-costa-rican-wildlife-2026/) Limited Places ### 21st - 28th Nov 2026 - Essential Costa Rican Wildlife **Location:** Costa Rica Join us in Costa Rica for a wildlife photography holiday in Costa Rica, during November 2026, focused on core Costa Rica species across key rainforest habitats. **7 nights** w. **Single occupancy** for **Was: £4249 Now: £3499** Guided By **David Miles** [View Essential Costa Rican Wildlife](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/costa-rica/essential-costa-rican-wildlife-2026/) - [![Join Us For The Ultimate Costa Rican Wildlife Photography Tour](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/a-red-eyed-tree-frog-sat-on-a-leaf-in-the-jungle-typical-of-the-kind-of-image-we-hope-you-will-capture-during-our-costa-rican-wildlife-photography-holiday-1024x683.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/costa-rica/ultimate-costa-rican-wildlife/) Full ### 1st - 17th Dec 2026 - Ultimate Costa Rican Wildlife **Location:** Costa Rica Travel to Costa Rica with us for a wildlife photography tour, which boasts an itinerary that allows extended time photographing Costa Rica's rainforest icons. **16 nights** w. **Single occupancy** - **Full** Guided By **David Miles** [View Ultimate Costa Rican Wildlife](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/costa-rica/ultimate-costa-rican-wildlife/) - [![Join Us For The Wildlife Icons of Costa Rica Photography Tour](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/A-Keel-billed-Toucan-opens-his-beak-typical-of-the-kind-of-image-we-hope-you-will-capture-during-our-Costa-Rican-Wildlife-photography-holiday-for-hero-1024x768.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/costa-rica/icons-of-costa-rica-2027/) Full ### 23rd Apr - 4th May 2027 - Wildlife Icons of Costa Rica **Location:** Costa Rica Explore the itinerary for an amazing wildlife photography holiday in Costa Rica, April 2027, focused on some Costa Rica's signature species across key habitats. **11 nights** w. **Single occupancy** - **Full** Guided By **David Miles** [View Wildlife Icons of Costa Rica](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/costa-rica/icons-of-costa-rica-2027/) - [![View Details Of The Wetlands of Costa Rica Photography Tour](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/The-Agami-Heron-is-one-of-the-main-target-species-on-the-NaturesLens-Wetlands-Of-Costa-Rica-Photography-Tour.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/costa-rica/wetlands-of-costa-rica/) Launch Offer ### 19th - 30th Jun 2027 - Wetlands of Costa Rica **Location:** Costa Rica Join us in Costa Rica for our new small-group wildlife Wetlands of Costa Rica photography tour in June 2027, built around breeding Agami Herons, King Vultures & the wetlands of the Caribbean lowlands & Caño Negro. **11 nights** w. **Single occupancy** for **Was: £5499 Now: £5249** Guided By **David Miles** [View Wetlands of Costa Rica](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/costa-rica/wetlands-of-costa-rica/) - [![Join Us For The Ultimate Costa Rican Wildlife Photography Tour](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/a-red-eyed-tree-frog-sat-on-a-leaf-in-the-jungle-typical-of-the-kind-of-image-we-hope-you-will-capture-during-our-costa-rican-wildlife-photography-holiday-1024x683.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/costa-rica/ultimate-costa-rican-wildlife-2027/) ### 30th Nov - 16th Dec 2027 - Ultimate Costa Rican Wildlife **Location:** Costa Rica Travel to Costa Rica with us for a wildlife photography tour, which boasts an itinerary that allows extended time photographing Costa Rica's rainforest icons. **16 nights** w. **Single occupancy** for **£6999** Guided By **David Miles** [View Ultimate Costa Rican Wildlife](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/costa-rica/ultimate-costa-rican-wildlife-2027/) - [![Join Us For The Essential Costa Rican Wildlife Photography Tour](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/a-keel-billed-toucan-typical-of-the-kind-of-image-we-hope-you-will-capture-during-our-costa-rican-wildlife-photography-holiday-1024x683.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/costa-rica/essential-costa-rican-wildlife/) ### 16th - 23rd Dec 2027 - Essential Costa Rican Wildlife **Location:** Costa Rica Join us in Costa Rica for a wildlife photography holiday in Costa Rica, during December 2027, focused on core Costa Rica species across key rainforest habitats. **7 nights** w. **Single occupancy** for **£4499** Guided By **David Miles** [View Essential Costa Rican Wildlife](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/costa-rica/essential-costa-rican-wildlife/) - [![Join Us For The Wildlife Icons of Costa Rica Photography Tour](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/A-Keel-billed-Toucan-opens-his-beak-typical-of-the-kind-of-image-we-hope-you-will-capture-during-our-Costa-Rican-Wildlife-photography-holiday-for-hero-1024x768.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/costa-rica/wildlife-icons-of-costa-rica/) ### 6th - 17th May 2028 - Wildlife Icons of Costa Rica **Location:** Costa Rica Explore the itinerary for an amazing wildlife photography holiday in Costa Rica, May 2028, focused on some Costa Rica's signature species across key habitats. **11 nights** w. **Single occupancy** for **£5999** Guided By **David Miles** [View Wildlife Icons of Costa Rica](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/costa-rica/wildlife-icons-of-costa-rica/) -