Emerald Toucanet

## About

An Emerald toucanet perched in a tree.

The emerald toucanet ***(Aulocorhynchus prasinus)*** or northern emerald toucanet, is a species of green toucanet native to areas of Central America and Mexico. The emerald toucanet resembles toucans in its appearance, having a long down-turned bill with jagged edges, a square head and a rather stout body. The two bird groups are actually placed in the same family of ramphastidae and toucanets are similar to toucans in both appearance and behaviour. Emerald toucanets have long bills which are marked most prolifically with black, accented by bands of yellow on the upper bill, as well as a small green line which separates the two colours. The toucanets also have apparent white or silver facial markings. Like all of the birds within the Aulocorhychus genus, Emerald toucanets have green plumage on their chest, which becomes a darker tinge on their wings. On the head of the toucanet, the plumage is a light reddish-green colour and around their white facial features, the plumage is a light blue or turquoise. Unlike the rest of the body, the tail feathers are black with accents of a maroon or red colour. Unlike toucans, toucanets have no bare skin around their eyes. The eyes of the toucanet are also not colourful like the toucan's, but are rather black or maroon. Though this is the most common appearance of the emerald toucanet, plumage and colouration may differ depending on the subspecies. The emerald toucanet is the smallest member of the Ramphastidae family, only measuring to 30-33cm (11.75-13in), males weigh 160g (5.6oz), while females are slightly lighter at 149g (5.2oz).

## Diet

Emerald toucanets are omnivorous. They eat eggs, lizards, insects and the nestlings of other birds if given the chance. Despite their carnivorous tendencies, emerald toucanets prefer to eat fruits more than anything.

## Conservation Status

According to the IUCN, the species has no immediate threats, though it is suspected that the toucanet may be threatened in the future due to efforts of logging/deforestation in its range. Due to there being no perceivable threats for the emerald toucanet, the species is listed as least concern.

## Range and Population

Emerald toucanets are abundant on the mainland Central American region and can be found dwelling in the mountainous rainforests of Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Belize, Guatemala and parts of Western and Central Mexico. The toucanets are seldom found in eastern Mexico, due to the drier and more arid environments. It is also suspected that the species may even occur in areas of Costa Rica and northern Venezuela. Emerald toucanets prefer higher altitudes in areas known as cloud forests, here they will make their nests some 915-3,050m (3,000-10,000ft) from the forest floor. As of currently, the population of the emerald toucanet is unknown and the species is unfortunately thought to be declining in numbers.

## Behaviour

Emerald toucanets will congregate in flocks which are usually comprised of an average of 8 individuals. They are extremely active birds, surveying large masses of territory daily through flight. The toucanets will construct nests high above the ground for the soul purpose of incubating and raising young. Mating season usually takes place between the months of March-July, but may fluctuate depending on the weather. The most accepted reason as to why toucanets delay breeding due to weather is possibly because bad weather conditions may affect eggs and nesting females. 3-4 small white eggs are laid into a tree cavity that ranges from 2-30m (7-90ft) from the ground. Toucanets are thought to appropriate these pre-excavated cavities, rather than dig out their own. Each egg will undergo an incubation period of 16 days and both members of the pair will alternate incubation times, as emerald toucanets are monogamous. Female toucanets will typically incubate the eggs throughout the night, whilst male relief comes during the day. Male toucanets are also seen as the relief parent, allowing the female to clean the nest, forage and feed the brood while he incubates, giving the female a short term break from incubation. After hatching, toucanet nestlings will not be able to open their eyes until day 25 however, they remain cloudy until around day 27. The characteristic green plumage of the emerald toucanet will become an attribute in chicks after around 35 days of age and chicks may begin to fly at as early as 40 days. Routine feedings by the adult toucanets will become seldom, until the juveniles will not return to their nests at all at 43 days of age.

### Relationship with Humans

In the wild emerald toucanets have limited interactions with humans however, in household environments interaction is much higher. Emerald toucanets are commonly kept as pets due to their small size and friendly nature. It is advised however, that an adequate amount of room be granted to a captive toucanet, as they can feel enclosed, stressed or neglected if otherwise. Particularly, hand-raised individuals are cuddly and very affectionate, even being likened to other exotic pet birds like parrots in terms of their attitudes.

## In Captivity

Other than in household environments as exotic pets, emerald toucanets are not popular in zoos, only being exhibited worldwide in two zoos being the Bronx and Staten Island Zoos, both located in the USA.

## Sources

* IUCN Red List of Threatened Species - https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22726170/94913421
* Emerald Toucanet | Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology - https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Aulacorhynchus\_prasinus/#:~:text=The%20smallest%20of%20the%20toucans,female%20at%20about%20149%20g.
* Emerald Toucanet | Beauty of Birds - https://beautyofbirds.com/emeraldtoucanets/
* Emerald Toucanet | ZOOINSTITUTES - https://zooinstitutes.com/animals/emerald-toucanet-2548/