Aulacorhynchus – Green toucanets

A group of small, colorful toucans native to the forests and cloud forests of Central and South America. These birds are known for their vibrant green plumage, playful personalities, and distinctive, curved bills, which often show bold patterns of black, yellow, or chestnut. Green toucanets are smaller and more subtle in appearance than their larger toucan cousins, but they’re no less charismatic — often seen hopping through branches or calling softly through the misty treetops of tropical highlands.

Their most eye-catching feature is their large, colorful bill, which, despite its size, is light and delicate thanks to its hollow structure. These toucanets are almost entirely green, with many species sporting blue, yellow, or chestnut highlights on the face, throat, or underparts. Their coloration helps them blend into the dense foliage of their forest habitats, where they move quietly through the canopy.

Green toucanets are omnivorous, feeding on a wide variety of foods including fruits, insects, small reptiles, and bird eggs. Their diet makes them important seed dispersers, helping maintain healthy, biodiverse forests. They often forage in pairs or small groups, using their curved bills to pluck fruit or probe into bromeliads and moss for hidden insects. Though generally quiet, they have a range of whistles, croaks, and clucks used for communication, especially during the breeding season.

Unlike many birds, green toucanets nest in tree cavities — often using holes made by woodpeckers or natural rot. They don’t build a traditional nest; instead, the female lays her eggs directly in the hollow. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks, who stay in the nest for several weeks before fledging.