Species profile
About this species
The Spot-billed Toucanet is a small toucan native to the Atlantic Forest of South America, found primarily in Brazil, Argentina & Paraguay. It displays striking plumage with a black body, green upperparts & a distinctive yellow-spotted bill that gives the species its common name. Males & females differ subtly in colouration, with females typically showing a chestnut tone on the rear of the head.
Dense Atlantic Forest, including humid lowland & foothill forests, forest edges & secondary growth in south-eastern South America.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Spot-billed Toucanet with us in Brazil.
These departures are part of our South America programme.
In the field, David Miles helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
Early morning during the fruiting season between September & January offers the best opportunities, as birds are most active & vocal in the first two hours after sunrise.
Position yourself near fruiting trees at forest edges where the birds feed, as this offers cleaner backgrounds & better light than deep forest. Use a fast shutter speed of at least 1/500s to freeze movement when the bird turns its large bill, & a telephoto lens of 400mm or more to maintain a respectful distance. Listen for the species low, rattling calls to locate individuals before they spot you, allowing time to set up a stable, well-composed shot.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Spot-billed Toucanet
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.