Emerald toucanet
Aulacorhynchus prasinus
Quick Facts
- Scientific Name: Aulacorhynchus prasinus
- Family: Ramphastidae
- Known Nicknames: Northern Emerald-Toucanet, Blue-throated Toucanet
- Average Length: 30–35 cm / 12–14 in
- Average Weight: 118–230 g / 4.2–8.1 oz
- Wingspan: 45–50 cm / 18–20 in
- Key Feature: Vibrant grass-green plumage with a large, yellow and black bill
- Primary Diet: Primarily Frugivorous
- Range: Southern Mexico through Central America to Northern South America
- Habitat: Montane cloud forests and humid evergreen forests
- Social Structure: Small social groups or pairs
- Nesting/Breeding: Tree cavities and abandoned woodpecker nests
- Statut de conservation : Préoccupation mineure (LC)
- Population Trend: Decreasing
The Emerald toucanet (*Aulacorhynchus prasinus*) is a small, charismatic member of the toucan family that brings a splash of brilliance to the montane cloud forests of Central and South America. Draped in lush, grass-green plumage that offers perfect camouflage within the canopy, this bird is distinguished by its oversized, multi-colored bill—a striking combination of yellow and black that features a serrated edge for expertly gripping fruit and small prey. Its elegant appearance is accented by a clean white throat and distinctive chestnut-colored tips on its tail feathers. More than just a visual marvel, the Emerald toucanet is a highly social and agile flyer, often seen traveling in small, noisy groups as it navigates the misty highlands. This combination of its vibrant "emerald" suit, specialized serrated beak, and spirited personality makes it one of the most enchanting residents of the tropical wilderness.
Habitats et répartition
This species is distributed throughout the mountainous regions of the Neotropics, extending from southern Mexico and Central America down into the northern and central Andes of South America. Its range encompasses countries such as Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, and Peru. It is primarily a high-altitude resident, typically found at elevations ranging from 900 to 3,000 meters above sea level. It predominantly inhabits humid montane forests and cloud forests, favoring areas with dense canopy cover and high moisture levels. Additionally, it is frequently observed along forest edges, in mature second-growth forests, and occasionally within adjacent clearings or plantations that contain scattered trees. These environments provide the necessary arboreal structure and fruit-bearing trees required for foraging and nesting.
Comportements & Reproduction
These birds are highly social and are typically observed foraging in small groups or pairs within the forest canopy. Their social structure is defined by active communication through harsh, repetitive vocalizations and frequent physical interactions. During the breeding season, they form monogamous pairs, engaging in courtship rituals such as "bill-fencing" and ritualized fruit-feeding, where the male offers food to the female to establish and reinforce their bond. Nesting takes place in abandoned woodpecker holes or natural tree cavities, which the pair may slightly enlarge. Both parents share the duties of incubating the three to four eggs and later feeding the altricial chicks a mix of fruit and insects. This cooperative reproductive strategy ensures the survival of the young, who remain in the nest for about six weeks before fledging. Unlike many other tropical birds, they are known to be quite territorial around their nesting sites, aggressively defending the cavity from potential predators or competitors.
Alimentation
The emerald toucanet is primarily frugivorous, subsisting on a diverse array of small fruits and berries from trees such as figs and palms. Despite its preference for fruit, it is an opportunistic omnivore that supplements its intake with animal protein, including insects, spiders, small lizards, and the eggs or nestlings of other birds. A particularly interesting aspect of its diet is its role as a vital seed disperser; the toucanet often swallows fruits whole and later regurgitates the larger seeds, which helps maintain the health of its forest ecosystem. Its long, serrated bill is perfectly adapted for this varied diet, allowing it to reach fruit on thin branches that cannot support its weight and to skillfully extract prey from crevices or nests.
Couleurs
The Emerald toucanet is characterized by its vibrant grass-green plumage, which provides excellent camouflage within the rainforest canopy. It features a large, multi-colored bill typically patterned with yellow on the upper mandible and black on the lower, complemented by a white or pale throat. Distinctive rufous-colored undertail coverts and tail tips, along with dark or reddish skin around the eyes, complete its striking yet cryptic appearance.
Faits amusants
Emerald toucanets engage in playful "bill-fencing" matches where they spar with their large beaks like tiny green fencers. To save space while sleeping in cramped tree hollows, they perform a unique "tucking" maneuver, folding their long tails flat against their backs and turning their heads around. While primarily fruit-eaters, they are surprisingly opportunistic hunters, occasionally snatching up lizards or raiding other birds' nests for eggs. Their vibrant green feathers provide near-perfect camouflage in mossy cloud forests, and their zygodactyl feet—with two toes facing forward and two backward—allow them to hop through dense canopies with acrobatic precision.
