High in the lush embrace of the Costa Rican mountains, a flash of emerald green darts through the trees. This vibrant resident is the Northern Emerald Toucanet, a captivating bird that embodies the beauty and intrigue of our rainforest retreat.

While toucans are renowned for their colossal beaks, the Northern Emerald Toucanet is a smaller member of the family, reaching only about 11-15 inches in length. Don’t be fooled by its size, though! This dazzling bird boasts a plumage that lives up to its name. Its body is a magnificent emerald green, glistening like a polished gemstone. The underparts are a lighter shade, creating a subtle contrast that highlights its graceful form.

But the true showstopper is the toucanet’s beak. Unlike its larger cousins, the Northern Emerald Toucanet’s beak is a fascinating combination of black and yellow. The black mandible provides a stark contrast to the bright yellow maxilla, which itself has a unique black patch near the nares and a white vertical stripe at the base. This intricate pattern adds a touch of whimsy to the bird’s already captivating appearance.

If you’re fortunate enough to spot a Northern Emerald Toucanet on your retreat, you’ll likely see it in pairs or small groups of up to 10 individuals. These social birds flit through the forest canopy, their bright green bodies a vibrant splash against the emerald backdrop. They’re particularly fond of fruiting trees, where their beaks come in handy. Despite their size, toucanet beaks are surprisingly lightweight, thanks to an airy structure with thin walls. This allows them to adeptly maneuver through branches and reach for hidden fruits.

Their diet isn’t limited to just fruit, though. Northern Emerald Toucanets are omnivores, enjoying a menu that includes insects, lizards, and even small frogs. Their keen eyesight and sharp beaks make them efficient hunters, adding another layer of intrigue to their fascinating lives.

Listen closely as you explore the rainforest trails. The Northern Emerald Toucanet’s call is a series of high-pitched whistles and chirps, adding to the symphony of sounds that fills the mountain air. These vocalizations are thought to play a role in communication within their flocks, possibly serving as territorial markers or contact calls.

Witnessing a Northern Emerald Toucanet flitting through the trees is an unforgettable experience. It’s a reminder of the incredible biodiversity that thrives in the Costa Rican rainforest. Here, at our mountain retreat, you have the chance to encounter these emerald jewels firsthand, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Keep an eye out for our next blog post, where we’ll explore another fascinating feathered resident of the Costa Rican mountains!

For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica

This post is also available in: Français (French) Español (Spanish)