The blue-banded toucanet is a near-passerine bird in the toucan family Ramphastidae. It is found in Bolivia and Peru.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs on humid montane slopes of the central Andes in Bolivia and Peru, especially within Yungas cloud forests. It favors dense, fruit-rich midstory and canopy layers, and frequently uses forest edges and secondary growth near mature forest. The species is most often found along ravines and on ridgelines where fruiting trees are abundant. It can enter orchards or gardens adjacent to forest when fruit is available.
Altitude Range
1200–3200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This small toucan of the Andes is named for the narrow blue band across its upper breast, a key field mark that separates it from similar green toucanets. It plays an important role as a seed disperser in cloud forests. It nests in tree cavities—often old woodpecker holes—and uses its long, lightweight bill to delicately pluck fruits from branches.
Illustration from Voyage dans l'Amérique méridionale by Alcide Dessalines d'Orbigny
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with swift, direct flights between trees
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs or small family groups moving through the mid-canopy in search of fruit. Nests in natural cavities or old woodpecker holes; both sexes participate in incubation and chick-rearing. Non-aggressive toward other frugivores but may defend fruiting trees from close intruders.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are a series of croaks and frog-like grunts, often delivered in rhythmic sequences. Calls carry through the forest and are used to maintain contact within pairs and groups.
Plumage
Mostly bright green with a distinct narrow blue band across the upper breast and bluish tones on the face. Throat usually paler, contrasting with the blue band; undertail coverts often chestnut. Bill long, laterally compressed, with pale culmen and darker lower portions.
Diet
Primarily eats a wide variety of fruits and berries, playing a key role in dispersing seeds across the forest. Supplements its diet with insects, small lizards, and occasionally eggs or nestlings. Foraging often involves careful plucking of fruit and tossing it back to swallow whole.
Preferred Environment
Forages mainly in the midstory and canopy of humid montane forests, especially at fruiting trees. Frequently visits forest edges, secondary growth, and sometimes adjacent orchards when fruit is abundant.
