The tepui toucanet or Whitely's toucanet is a near-passerine bird in the toucan family Ramphastidae. It is found in Brazil, Guyana, Suriname, and Venezuela.
Region
Guiana Shield tepui highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs on the forested slopes and summits of tepuis in southeastern Venezuela, western Guyana, and adjacent northern Brazil, with records extending toward Suriname. It inhabits humid montane and submontane evergreen forests, especially cloud forest with abundant epiphytes and fruiting trees. Often uses forest edges, ravines, and partially disturbed areas where fruit is plentiful. It keeps mostly to the canopy but will descend to mid-levels along forested slopes.
Altitude Range
800–2200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called Whitely's toucanet, this small toucan is tied to the tepui highlands of the Guiana Shield. It forages quietly in the mid- to upper canopy and is more often detected by its frog-like calls than by sight. Like other toucanets, it nests in tree cavities and plays a key role in seed dispersal.
Temperament
shy and canopy-dwelling
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with undulating hops between trees
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or in small family groups, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks at fruiting trees. Breeds in tree cavities, often reusing old woodpecker holes. Both sexes participate in incubation and feeding of the young, with clutches typically of 2–4 eggs.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are a series of hollow, frog-like croaks and soft yelps, repeated at steady intervals from concealed perches. Calls carry through the forest but are subdued compared to larger toucans.
Plumage
Mostly bright green with a bluish wash on the face and throat and warmer rufous tones on the undertail coverts. Feathers are smooth and sleek, giving a satin-like sheen in good light. Tail is green above with darker tips and paler, warmer tones below.
Diet
Primarily consumes a variety of fruits, including berries and drupes from laurels, melastomes, and palms. Supplements its diet with insects such as beetles and orthopterans, and occasionally small vertebrates or bird eggs. Acts as an important seed disperser, passing intact seeds through the digestive tract.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the mid- to upper canopy of humid montane forest, especially at fruiting trees along edges, gaps, and ridgelines. Will also visit secondary growth and forest borders when fruit is abundant.
