The white-throated toucanet or greyish-throated toucanet is a near-passerine bird in the toucan family Ramphastidae. It is found in Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela.
Region
Northern Andes
Typical Environment
Found along humid montane and cloud forests of the Andes in Venezuela (Mérida range), Colombia, and northern Ecuador. It favors forest edges, secondary growth, and fruiting trees within mature forest. The species often forages in the mid to upper canopy but will descend to visit forest clearings and shaded plantations. Local movements track fruit availability rather than long-distance migration.
Altitude Range
900–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This Andean toucanet is a near-passerine in the toucan family, often called the grayish-throated or white-throated toucanet. It is an important seed disperser in cloud forests, swallowing fruits whole and excreting viable seeds far from the parent tree. It nests in cavities, often reusing old woodpecker holes. Taxonomy within the emerald toucanet complex was recently revised, with this form recognized as a distinct species.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks. Nests in tree cavities, often old woodpecker holes, where both sexes participate in incubation and feeding. Territorial calls are used to maintain spacing along forested ridges.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are a series of hoarse croaks and mellow, repetitive yelps. Calls carry through cloud forest valleys, often delivered from canopy perches during early morning.
