Emerald

Emerald toucan
Aulacorhynchus prasinus

Taxonomy

  • Scientific name:

    Aulacorhynchus prasinus

  • Family:

    Ramphastidae

  • Genus:

    Aulacorhynchus

  • Species:

    Prasinus

  • Common names:

    Mountain toucan, emerald toucanet

Biology

  • Morphology:

    30 – 37 cm; male. Overall green, with beak yellow and black.

  • Reproduction:

    Nests in tree cavities and deposits 2 – 4 eggs

  • Diet:

    fruits, arthropods and other bird eggs

Ecology

  • Range:

    Found from Southern Mexico through Central America to Venezuela and Peru.

  • Habitat:

    Principally found in mixed mountain forest from sea level to 2,600m, but more common above 900m. They generally prefer the dense Forrest and are usually found in the highest branches of the trees.

Threats

  • The accelerated destruction of their habitat and hunting for the illegal pet trade. Risk Category: IUCN Red List. Moderate Risk compared to some other toucans.