The golden-collared toucanet is a near-passerine bird in the toucan family Ramphastidae. It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Region
Western and central Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland evergreen rainforest across western Amazonia, including parts of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, and northern Bolivia. It favors terra firme forest but also uses seasonally flooded várzea and forest edges. Often keeps to the mid- and upper canopy, occasionally descending to fruiting shrubs along rivers and clearings. It tolerates light disturbance but is most common in extensive, continuous forest.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The golden-collared toucanet is a small toucan of the western Amazon, noted for the male’s striking golden nape collar and strong sexual dimorphism. It forages quietly in the mid- to upper canopy, moving in pairs or small family groups. Like other toucans, it plays an important role in seed dispersal for many rainforest trees.
Temperament
quiet and wary, usually in pairs or small groups
Flight Pattern
short undulating flights between canopy trees
Social Behavior
Most often seen as pairs maintaining loose territories, sometimes joining small mixed-species foraging flocks. Nests in tree cavities, with both sexes participating in incubation and chick rearing. Courtship involves mutual preening and soft calling while perched close together.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include a series of soft, clear whistles and short croaks, often given at dawn. Calls carry through the canopy but are less raucous than larger toucans, sounding measured and spaced.
