Crimson-rumped Toucanet

Overview

The crimson-rumped toucanet (Aulacorhynchus haematopygus) is a near-passerine bird in the toucan family Ramphastidae. It is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN due to its large range and stable population, with no immediate threats identified.

Identification

• Measures 40 to 45 cm in length, with adults mostly green featuring a gold gloss on the nape and upper back, a red rump, and chestnut tips on the central tail feathers.
• The bill is brownish red and black with a vertical white line at the base, larger in the nominate subspecies and shorter in females than in males.
• Song consists of a series of variable, gruff, barking notes described as 'daakk' to 'gggruk', often sung in duet by both sexes.

Habitat

This species inhabits evergreen forest from lowlands to montane zones, as well as semi-open landscapes such as forest edges, secondary forest, and isolated fruiting trees in pastures. Its range covers western Venezuela through the Andes in Colombia and into Ecuador, typically between 300 and 2,200 m in elevation.

Diet

The bird forages at all levels of the forest, alone, in pairs, or in small groups. Its diet is primarily fruit, but likely also includes insects and bird eggs.

Did you know?

During pair formation, both sexes engage in a complex courtship involving singing, calling, chasing, feeding each other, and allopreening. The species is adaptable enough to breed successfully in captivity, with clutches of up to four eggs.