Aulacorhynchus prasinus (Gould, 1833)

General Traits

Like other toucans, the northern emerald toucanet (Aulacorhynchus prasinus) has bright markings and a large bill.

Size and Weight

Adult individuals are 29 to 37 cm (11 to 15 in) long, and weigh approximately 150 to 240 g (5.3 to 8.5 oz).

Sexual Dimorphism

The two sexes look similar, though females are generally smaller and have shorter bills.

Bill Appearance

Their bill features a black lower mandible, a yellow upper maxilla with a black patch near the nostrils, and a white vertical stripe at the bill's base.

Plumage General

Like other species in the genus Aulacorhynchus, all subspecies of this toucanet have mostly green plumage, which is lighter on the belly than on the upper body.

Nominate Subspecies Head Markings

The nominate subspecies has a bronze tinge on its crown, and a yellowy bronze tint on its nape and upper back.

Eye Features

Its eye is dark brown, and is surrounded by darker bare skin.

Throat and Face Color

The lower face and throat are white.

Flank and Undertail Color

Flanks range from bright yellow-green to green-yellow, while undertail coverts and the underside of the tail are chestnut.

Tail Coloration

The upper surface of the tail is green at the base, turning blue toward the tip, and the feather tips are chestnut.

Subspecies Variation Overview

Subspecies differ primarily in throat color and bill characteristics.

Subspecies A. p. warneri Traits

Subspecies A. p. warneri has a yellowish wash on its throat and some yellow on the face.

Subspecies A. p. virescens Traits

A. p. virescens is slightly smaller than the nominate subspecies, with a yellower face and throat, more yellow on the flanks, and darker chestnut tips on its tail feathers.

Subspecies A. p. volcanius Traits

A. p. volcanius is similar to the nominate, but paler overall and slightly smaller.

Immature Bird Appearance

Immature birds are grayer than adults, and the chestnut color on their tail tips is browner and smaller.

Habitat Preferences

The northern emerald toucanet primarily lives in humid montane forest, but also occurs in more open landscapes including secondary forest, shrublands, pastures, and plantations.

Elevation Range and Movement

It occurs at elevations ranging from near sea level up to at least 3,000 m (9,800 ft), and it is non-migratory.