AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Selenidera spectabilis
Yellow-eared Toucanet
(Cassin, 1857)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A distinctive toucanet with a black head and throat, a vivid yellow patch behind the eye, and a heavy, multi-colored bill. The plumage is primarily dark olive-green.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Aves
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Piciformes
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Ramphastidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Selenidera
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Cassin, 1857)
Record Completeness
96%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Spring
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Omnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Inhabits humid lowland and foothill tropical forests, often favoring the canopy and sub-canopy layers.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Active, vocal, and usually found in small family groups foraging in the mid-to-high canopy.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Highly social; groups interact frequently and cooperate in defense and roosting activities.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Frugivore/Omnivore.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Diet primarily consists of various tropical fruits and berries, supplemented with insects and occasionally small reptiles or nestlings.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Nests in natural tree cavities or old woodpecker holes. Both parents share in incubation and caring for chicks.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
30.0 - 35.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
150 g - 200 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.2 - 4
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
12 - 18 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
16 - 20
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males6 - 10 Years
Females6 - 10 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males have a more striking black head and throat compared to the slightly more muted patterns in females.
Females Multi-lang
Females are generally similar but often display slightly smaller bill size and less intense black coloration.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Large, lightweight, serrated bill designed for reaching fruit and protecting against predators. Vivid ear-patch acts as a visual signal for social recognition.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation due to agricultural expansion and logging in tropical forests.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Members of the toucanet family are highly social and often sleep together in tree cavities, sometimes with multiple individuals squeezed in at once.