Guianan toucanet


The Guianan toucanet, or Guyana toucanet is a species of bird in the family Ramphastidae found in the north-eastern Amazon rainforest.

Taxonomy and systematics

The Guianan toucanet was originally described as belonging to the genus Pteroglossus. Recently, some discussion was made of the naming of this species. Pacheco & Whitney suggested the correct scientific name was Selenidera piperivora, but then Walters noted that this name was pre-occupied. A paper by Piacentini et al. presented arguments for the use of Selenidera piperivora as the correct name for the species and it was renamed as such by the IOC in 2010. Most other authorities have now also adopted this taxonomy.

Distribution and habitat

It is found in north-western Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, and Venezuela.
Its natural habitat is tropical humid lowland forests. It is 25 cm long and weighs 110-165 grams

Relationship to humans

The Guianan toucanet is sometimes kept in aviculture as a breeder bird or a pet.

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