Saffron Toucanet

Overview

The saffron toucanet (Pteroglossus bailloni) is a species of bird in the family Ramphastidae found in the Atlantic Forest of far north-eastern Argentina, south-eastern Brazil, and eastern Paraguay. It is currently classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• A relatively long-tailed toucan with a total length of 35–40 cm, uniquely overall saffron yellow among its kind.
• The back and tail are darker and more olive in color, while the rump, ocular skin, and basal patches of the greenish-horn bill are red.
• Adult males feature a golden head and breast, whereas adult females are similar but possess more olive coloration and a shorter bill.
• The species is dimorphic, with young birds appearing mostly olive and grey with brown eyes and a blotchy bill.

Habitat

The species depends on forested habitats to survive and is found exclusively in the Atlantic Forest. It inhabits regions in far north-eastern Argentina, south-eastern Brazil, and eastern Paraguay, where it is separated from related species by the Brazilian savanna biome.

Diet

The saffron toucanet is a large-gape frugivore that mainly consumes fruit such as figs and palm fruits. It has also been observed eating young birds, entering nests to swallow contents within 30 seconds using its smaller body size for quick access.

Did you know?

The species is one of the few birds capable of carrying larger seeds to new locations, making it crucial for the dispersal of plants with large seeds.