Blue-throated Toucanet

The Blue-throated Toucanet, Aulacorhynchus caeruleogularis, is a member of the toucan family, Ramphastidae. This near-passerine bird boasts a large bill characteristic of toucans. Adults range from 29 to 37 cm in length and weigh between 120 to 185 grams. Both sexes are similar in appearance, though females tend to be slightly smaller with shorter bills.

Identification Tips

The Blue-throated Toucanet's bill is a striking feature, black with a prominent yellow stripe along the culmen and a white vertical strip at its base. The nominate subspecies has a rufous patch near the base of the culmen, while A. c. cognatus lacks this. The plumage is predominantly green, lighter below than above, with the nominate's crown having a bronze tinge and its nape and upper back a yellowy bronze tint. The eye is dark brown, encircled by darker bare skin. A deep blue graces their lower face and throat, and their undertail coverts and the underside of the tail are chestnut. The tail is green at the base, turning blue towards the end with chestnut tips. Immature birds are grayer with browner and smaller chestnut tail tips.

Habitat

The Blue-throated Toucanet inhabits humid montane forests but can also be found in secondary forests, shrublands, pastures, and plantations.

Distribution

This species is found in Costa Rica, Panama, and far northwestern Colombia, ranging in elevation from 800 to 3,000 meters in Costa Rica and 600 to 2,400 meters in Panama.

Behaviour

The Blue-throated Toucanet is a non-migratory bird known for its gregarious nature, often forming groups of up to about 10 individuals.

Song & Calls

The main vocalization of the Blue-throated Toucanet is a loud, far-carrying, dry "rrip rrrip rrip rrip" or "curré curré curré," which can continue for minutes. In flight, its wings produce a distinctive whirring sound.

Breeding

Breeding season spans from March to August. They nest in tree cavities, with a clutch size typically of three to four eggs. Both sexes incubate, with the female doing so more frequently. Incubation lasts 16 days, and fledging occurs 42 to 45 days post-hatching.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Blue-throated Toucanet is varied, including a wide array of fruits, invertebrates, and vertebrates such as birds, eggs, lizards, and snakes. They forage primarily by gleaning while perched.

Conservation status

The IUCN has classified the Blue-throated Toucanet as Least Concern. Its population is believed to be stable, with no immediate threats identified, though it is vulnerable to habitat destruction.