Wagler's toucanet is a species of bird in the toucan family Ramphastidae. It is endemic to southwestern Mexico.
Region
Southwestern Mexico
Typical Environment
Found in humid montane and foothill forests of the Sierra Madre del Sur and adjacent highlands, including cloud forest, evergreen broadleaf, and pine–oak ecotones. It favors mature forest but also uses second growth, forest edges, and shaded plantations where fruiting trees are abundant. Birds often follow fruiting cycles, moving locally along ridges and ravines. They spend most time in the mid- to upper canopy, descending occasionally to edges and clearings to feed.
Altitude Range
900–2500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Wagler's toucanet plays an important role as a seed disperser in montane forests, helping maintain plant diversity. Its stout, bicolored bill is adapted for plucking and manipulating fruit but also takes insects and small prey. It nests in natural cavities or old woodpecker holes, with both sexes participating in incubation and chick rearing. Despite its bright colors, it is often inconspicuous, moving quietly through dense canopy foliage.
Temperament
shy and discreet
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with bounding hops between trees
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks at fruiting trees. They are cavity nesters, using natural hollows or abandoned woodpecker holes. Pairs are likely monogamous, and both parents share incubation and chick-feeding duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are a series of gruff, frog-like croaks and repeated 'rrrek' or 'grrk' notes. Calls can be delivered in steady sequences that carry through the forest canopy, often given at dawn and in overcast conditions.
