The tawny-tufted toucanet is a near-passerine bird in the toucan family Ramphastidae. It is found in Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, and possible Guyana.
Region
Northern Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily across the upper Rio Negro and upper Orinoco drainages in northwestern Brazil (Amazonas and Roraima), southeastern Colombia (Vaupés and Guainía), southern Venezuela (Amazonas), and possibly adjacent Guyana. It favors white-sand campinarana and blackwater igapó forests, using the midstory to canopy. The species also forages along river margins and in adjacent terra firme edges when fruiting trees are available. Its distribution is fragmented, closely tracking the availability of these specialized substrates and forest types.
Altitude Range
0–800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small toucanet is highly tied to nutrient-poor white-sand (campinarana) and blackwater igapó forests, which makes its range patchy. Males have distinctive tawny ear-tufts that give the species its name, and pairs often duet to maintain contact. It nests in tree cavities, often old woodpecker holes, and plays an important role in seed dispersal for many rainforest plants.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups moving through the mid-canopy. Both sexes use cavities for nesting, with shared incubation and chick rearing. Displays include duetting and mutual preening, and they may join mixed-species flocks when fruit is abundant.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are a series of low, frog-like croaks and clucking notes, often exchanged antiphonally between mates. Also gives soft rattles and grunts while foraging.
Plumage
Predominantly green body with contrasting head and facial patches; strong sexual dimorphism typical of Selenidera toucanets.
Diet
Primarily eats small to medium-sized fruits and berries taken from the midstory and canopy. Supplements diet with insects and other arthropods, and occasionally small vertebrates or eggs. Frequently swallows fruits whole and later regurgitates seeds, aiding forest regeneration.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in fruiting trees of white-sand (campinarana) and blackwater igapó forests, and along riverine edges. Will also exploit nearby terra firme forest where fruit crops are reliable.
