The blue-throated toucanet is a near-passerine bird in the toucan family Ramphastidae. It is found in Costa Rica, Panama and far northwestern Colombia.
Region
Southern Central America and Darién
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid montane forests from Costa Rica through western Panama, with a toehold in the Darién of far northwestern Colombia. Prefers primary evergreen and cloud forests but also uses mature secondary growth and forest edges. Often forages in the subcanopy and canopy at fruiting trees, and may visit shade coffee or orchards adjacent to forest. Locally common where continuous forest remains, but sensitive to extensive deforestation.
Altitude Range
900–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This small toucan plays an important role as a seed disperser in montane forests, swallowing fruits whole and later depositing the seeds far from the parent tree. It was formerly treated as part of the Emerald Toucanet complex but is now widely recognized as a distinct species. These birds often visit fruiting trees near forest edges and can become surprisingly confiding where not persecuted.
in the Monteverde Cloud Forest, Costa Rica
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs or small family groups, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks while foraging. Nests in tree cavities, often old woodpecker holes; both sexes participate in excavating, incubating, and feeding the young. Generally monogamous and maintains territories around nesting areas.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives a series of yelping, nasal calls and croaks, often in duets between members of a pair. Calls carry through the forest canopy and may accelerate in tempo during territorial exchanges.
Plumage
Mostly bright green with a vivid blue throat and cheeks, contrasting with a narrow whitish line at the base of the bill. The undertail coverts are chestnut-rufous, and the tail often shows a rufous or chestnut tip. Plumage is sleek with a satiny sheen typical of toucanets.
Diet
Primarily frugivorous, taking figs, laurels, and other fleshy fruits, which it swallows whole and later regurgitates or passes the seeds intact. Supplements its diet with insects, spiders, and occasionally small vertebrates or eggs. Acts as an important seed disperser for many mid- to high-elevation trees and shrubs.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mostly in the canopy and subcanopy at fruiting trees, but will descend to edges, clearings, and gardens with suitable fruit. Sometimes accompanies mixed-species flocks to glean arthropods from foliage and branches.
