Blue-banded Toucanet Aulacorhynchus coeruleicinctis Scientific name definitions

The Blue-banded Toucanet resembles the more familiar widespread Emerald Toucanet (Aulacorhynchus coereicinctus), but is found in the subtropical and lower temperate zone on the east slope of the Andes from central Peru south into Bolivia. Blue-banded is a green toucanet that lacks the yellow culmen of Emerald, has a white throat, and displays a somewhat difficult to see blue band across the breast. It is replaced at lower elevation in the upper tropical zone by Chestnut-tipped Toucanet (Aulacorhynchus derbianus), which is smaller, has a reddish base and tip to the bill, and lacks the red rump of Blue-banded. They travel in pairs or small groups, and are often found foraging on the catkins of Cecropia trees. Vocalizations of Blue-banded more harsh and raspy than the “nasal” calls of Chestnut-tipped. Like other toucanets, they nest in tree cavities.

40–44 cm; 173–257 g. Green toucanet with red rump, blue-horn bill lacking basal line. Blue and white superciliary and white throat ; blue band across breast from sides, often somewhat diffuse; undertail-coverts greenish-yellow; tail with rusty chestnut tips on central feathers, rusty colour less extensive or absent on second rectrices; orbital skin dark greyish, but pale blue below eye ; eyes white to yellow, sometimes brown or brown-red, no geographical pattern (e.g. brown or white in SC Peru). Differs from A. huallagae in having bill narrower at base, with no white line, more rigid laterally, and greener (not golden) undertail-coverts. Sexes alike. Immature duller, with lax plumage; lacks tomial serrations; has rump and tail particularly dull.

C Peru (S Huánuco) S on E Andean slope, including a few isolated montane areas to E, to C Bolivia (W Santa Cruz).

Various forms of montane subtropical moist forest, cloudforest with dense undergrowth, reaching edge of subhumid tropical forest below and temperate forest above; recorded at 1470–3050 m, more usually 1600–2500 m.

Not known in detail. Fruits , also insects and other arthropods. Forages alone, in pairs or in small groups, from understorey to canopy.