Birds
Groove-billed Toucanet
Aulacorhynchus sulcatus · also called groove-billed toucanets
Blending into the forest canopy with a mostly green body, a groove-billed toucanet gives itself away only on close inspection, its bill marked with fine grooves that set it apart from its close relative the emerald toucanet.
Overview
The groove-billed toucanet, Aulacorhynchus sulcatus, is a small, green-bodied toucan relative native to rainforest and forest habitat across northern South America. Its distinctively grooved bill, close relationship to the emerald toucanet, and quiet, unobtrusive presence within the forest canopy make it one of the more easily overlooked yet distinctive small members of the wider toucan family.
A subtle relative of a subtle cousin
Sharing much of the emerald toucanet’s green camouflage and quiet habits, the groove-billed toucanet distinguishes itself mainly through the fine grooves etched into its bill, a detail visible only on close inspection.
Status
Least Concern, remaining present across suitable rainforest and forest habitat throughout northern South America.
Groove-billed Toucanet: common questions
How did the groove-billed toucanet get its name?
This species has a bill marked with fine grooves running along its surface, a feature that directly gives the species its common name and helps distinguish it from closely related toucanets.
Is the groove-billed toucanet related to the emerald toucanet?
Yes, this species is a close relative of the emerald toucanet, sharing a similar small size and predominantly green colouring suited to blending into forest foliage.
Where is the groove-billed toucanet found?
This species is found across forest habitat in northern South America, including parts of Venezuela, Colombia, and Trinidad.
Is the groove-billed toucanet easy to spot in the forest?
Not especially, since this species is generally quiet and unobtrusive, often overlooked within the forest canopy despite carrying a distinctive grooved bill.