Aulacorhynchus coeruleicinctis
The Blue-banded Toucanet (Aulacorhynchus coeruleicinctis) is a visually striking member of the toucan family (Ramphastidae), renowned for its distinctive plumage. Measuring approximately 38-43 cm (15-17 inches) in length and weighing between 170-250 grams, this medium-sized toucanet predominantly exhibits a brilliant emerald-green body. Its most identifying field mark is a prominent sky-blue band stretching conspicuously across its breast, contrasting sharply with its green underparts. The bi...
This species primarily inhabits humid montane cloud forests and subtropical moist forests, favoring the forest canopy and edges. It is typically found at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,600 meters (3,900 to 8,500 feet) above sea level.
The diet of the Blue-banded Toucanet is primarily frugivorous, consisting of a wide array of tropical fruits, supplemented opportunistically by insects, spiders, and occasionally small vertebrates like lizards or bird eggs. They forage by gleaning and plucking items from vegetation.
Blue-banded Toucanets are diurnal birds, active from dawn to dusk, often seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups foraging high in the forest canopy. Their foraging strategy involves gleaning fruits, insects, and occasionally small vertebrates from foliage and branches, often making short, a...
The Blue-banded Toucanet is endemic to the humid eastern slopes of the Andes mountains in South America. Its breeding range extends from central Peru, primarily in the departments of Huánuco, Pasco, Junín, Cuzco, and Puno, southward into central Bolivia, including departments like La Paz and Coch...
Least Concern
- The Blue-banded Toucanet's distinctive blue breast band makes it one of the most uniquely marked species within the Aulacorhynchus genus. - Despite its vibrant coloration, its emerald-green plumage provides excellent camouflage amidst the dense, leafy canopy of its cloud forest habitat. - Like ...