Although the Fiery-billed Aracari and the Collared Aracari share much of the same characteristics and physical traits, they are considered to be separate species by most zoologists and ornithologists. Fiery-billed Aracari occupies a very restricted range on the Pacific slope of southern Central America from western Costa Rica to western Panama.

Inhabits principally humid lowland forests, but has been recorded as high as 1800 m. Fiery-billed Aracaris travel in flocks of around 6 to 10 birds. Like other aracaris, its diet is somewhat catholic, being principally frugivorous but it also takes insects, lizards,  as well as the eggs and young of birds as large as pigeons and woodpeckers.   Fiery-billed Aracaris are arboreal, and spend most of their time in the forest canopy.