Southern Emerald Toucanet

Identification

The southern emerald toucanet is a small, brightly coloured member of the toucan family, measuring 33 to 38 cm in length and weighing 160 to 230 g. Like all toucans, it boasts a distinctive large bill—black with a striking yellow stripe along the culmen and a white vertical strip at the base. Some subspecies show chestnut or maroon markings at the bill's base. The plumage is predominantly green, lighter below than above, with bare yellow to orange skin encircling the eye, surrounded by blue feathers. The nominate subspecies features a white throat, whilst other subspecies display pale grey, pale blue, or grey throats depending on their geographic origin. Both sexes are similar in appearance, though females tend to be slightly smaller and shorter-billed. All subspecies share olive-green legs and feet.

Range & Habitat

The southern emerald toucanet is found throughout the montane regions of Colombia, Ecuador, western Venezuela, Peru, and northern Bolivia, with seven recognised subspecies distributed across this range. The species primarily inhabits the interior of humid montane forests but also frequents forest edges, secondary growth, plantations, and clearings with scattered trees. It is non-migratory, remaining in its range year-round.

Behaviour & Diet

This is a gregarious species, regularly gathering in small groups as it forages through the middle and upper levels of the forest canopy, typically whilst perched. The southern emerald toucanet has an eclectic diet, gleaning a wide variety of fruits, terrestrial invertebrates, and small vertebrate prey. Its vocalizations vary geographically, from rapid series of short took or churt notes in Colombia to guttural grinding calls in Venezuela and persistent fast rek-rek-rek notes in Ecuador. In flight, its wings produce a distinctive whirring sound. Breeding occurs in tree cavities; nesting takes place from January to September in Colombia and Venezuela, and from September to November in Ecuador.

Best Time & Places to See It

The southern emerald toucanet can be encountered year-round throughout its montane range in the Andes of Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Peru, and Bolivia. Search humid montane forests and forest edges at appropriate elevations within each subspecies' range. The species' gregarious nature means that locating one individual often leads to sightings of small groups. Listen for its distinctive vocalizations, which vary by region, to aid in detection.

Photography Tips

The toucanet's brilliant green plumage, striking bill pattern, and bare facial skin make it a rewarding photographic subject. Position yourself in the mid-to-upper forest canopy where the bird typically forages, keeping in mind that it favours perched positions over active flight. The yellow facial patches and blue eye-ring provide excellent colour contrast for compelling images. Early morning light often renders the green plumage most vividly. Because this species gathers in small groups, patience may reward you with multiple individuals in frame. The whirring sound of wing-beats provides an audio cue for approaching birds.