The groove-billed toucanet is a near-passerine bird in the toucan family Ramphastidae. It is found in Colombia and Venezuela.
Region
Northern Andes and Venezuelan Coastal Range
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid montane and foothill forests of northern Colombia and Venezuela, including cloud forests, mature evergreen forest, and well-vegetated edges. It frequents midstory to canopy strata and often follows fruiting trees. The species tolerates some secondary growth and edges but depends on forested landscapes. It is generally resident throughout its range with localized movements to track fruit availability.
Altitude Range
600–2500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The groove-billed toucanet is a small toucan that lives in humid montane forests where it disperses seeds from the many fruits it eats. Its bill shows distinctive longitudinal grooves, a feature that gives the species its name. Pairs often duet, and they nest in tree cavities, sometimes reusing old woodpecker holes. Though generally common locally, it is sensitive to extensive forest loss.
Subspecies A. s. erythrognathus, illustration by Keulemans, 1891
"Yellow-billed" toucanet, illustration by Keulemans, 1891
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides through the canopy
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups moving quietly through mid-canopy. Nests in tree cavities, either natural or previously excavated by woodpeckers; both sexes share incubation and care of the young. Territorial vocal duets are common during the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are a series of frog-like croaks and gruff, repeated notes, often given in duets. Calls carry well through forest, with measured, resonant phrases interspersed with rattling notes.
Plumage
Mostly bright green with a contrastingly colored throat and chest wash, and chestnut to rufous undertail coverts. Feathers are sleek and close-fitting, giving a clean, glossy appearance.
Diet
Primarily eats a wide variety of fruits and berries, especially at fruiting trees such as figs. Supplements its diet with insects, small lizards, and occasionally eggs or nestlings. Swallows fruit whole and later regurgitates seeds, aiding forest regeneration.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the midstory to canopy of humid montane forest, along edges, and in semi-open areas with fruiting trees. Will visit secondary forest and forested ravines where fruit is abundant.
