The black-throated toucanet is a near-passerine bird in the toucan family Ramphastidae. It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, and Peru.
Region
Eastern Andean slopes and western Amazonia
Typical Environment
Occurs along the humid eastern slopes of the Andes and adjacent foothill forests in Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and far western Brazil (Acre). It favors evergreen montane and cloud forests, forest edges, and mature secondary growth. Birds often travel along ridgelines and valleys following fruiting trees and may descend to foothills where fruit is abundant. It tolerates some habitat disturbance but is most common in intact forest.
Altitude Range
400–2600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This toucanet is a key seed disperser in Andean foothill forests, often visiting fruiting trees and moving seeds across long distances. It nests in natural cavities, usually old woodpecker holes, where both parents share incubation and chick-rearing duties. Its large, colorful bill helps it reach fruit on slender branches.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides between trees
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups moving through the mid to upper canopy. Nests in tree cavities where both sexes incubate and feed the young. Territorial calls are exchanged between neighboring pairs, and adults often engage in bill-grooming displays.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are a series of gruff, croaking notes and yelps, often delivered as repeated phrases from exposed perches. Calls carry through the forest and may be answered antiphonally by mates or nearby birds.
