Slender, small‑bodied toucan (total length 38–43 cm) with glossy black head, throat and upper breast, separated from the yellow belly by a conspicuous red‑brown “collar” band across the mantle. Belly sports a dark central spot and red crissum; upperparts olive‑green. Long, narrow bill (8–10 cm) is black with an ivory culmen line and yellow‑white subterminal blotches forming a “zig‑zag” pattern. Bare facial skin is dull green. Sexes appear alike; juveniles have sooty underparts and a shorter, duller bill. Average mass 175–230 g.
Total length 38–43 cm; wingspan 55–60 cm
175–230 g
12–15 yr wild; 20 + yr captivity
Data deficient
Data deficient
≈ 2–3 yr
February – June (dry‑to‑wet transition)
3–5 white eggs; one clutch yr⁻¹
Slender, small‑bodied toucan (total length 38–43 cm) with glossy black head, throat and upper breast, separated from the yellow belly by a conspicuous red‑brown “collar” band across the mantle. Belly sports a dark central spot and red crissum; upperparts olive‑green. Long, narrow bill (8–10 cm) is black with an ivory culmen line and yellow‑white subterminal blotches forming a “zig‑zag” pattern. Bare facial skin is dull green. Sexes appear alike; juveniles have sooty underparts and a shorter, duller bill. Average mass 175–230 g.
Common in lowland and premontane evergreen forest, semi‑deciduous woodland, shaded cacao plantations and tall second‑growth to ~1 500 m on both Caribbean and Pacific slopes; uses edge and interior habitats.
Omnivorous but strongly frugivorous (~75 %) on Cecropia, Ficus, Virola; gleans insects, small lizards and bird eggs; effective seed disperser for small‑/medium‑seed trees.
Activity pattern: diurnal; foraging peaks at 07:00–11:00 & 15:00–17:00.
Group size: cohesive family bands of 6–12; non‑breeders often remain as helpers.
Breeding system: cooperative; breeding pair plus 1–4 helpers share incubation and chick feeding.
Territoriality: group defends ~3–5 ha core around nest with harsh “kyeek” calls and physical chases.
Communication: rapid series of high‑pitched “pik‑pik‑pik,” bill clattering, tail flicks.
Special behaviours: communal roosting; food‑sharing among group; use of “throwing” motion to pass fruit bill‑to‑bill.
Forms dormitory groups of 5–15 birds roosting side‑by‑side in single tree cavity.
Performs “bill fencing” play displays among group members at sunrise.
Flight muscles have high oxidative capacity, enabling rapid zig‑zag sallying for insects.
Known to remove ectoparasites from capuchin monkeys during mixed‑species foraging.
