Species profile
About this species
The Saffron Toucanet is a striking bird native to the Atlantic Forest of South America, found primarily in Brazil, Argentina & Paraguay. It is characterised by its vibrant golden-yellow & olive-green plumage, with a distinctive red patch near the base of its tail & a pale greenish bill. This medium-sized toucanet is closely associated with dense, humid forest environments where it feeds primarily on fruit.
The Saffron Toucanet inhabits the interior & edges of humid Atlantic Forest in south-eastern Brazil, north-eastern Argentina & eastern Paraguay, typically found at elevations between 400m & 1800m in areas with dense canopy & abundant fruiting trees.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Saffron 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 hours between dawn & 9am offer the best light & activity levels, with the months of October through January being particularly productive as fruiting trees attract the birds more reliably during this period.
Position yourself near fruiting trees in the early morning when the birds are most active & feeding, as this gives excellent opportunities for close behavioural shots. Use a telephoto lens of at least 400mm to capture sharp detail of the bill & plumage colouration without disturbing the bird. When shooting in dense forest, increase your ISO to compensate for low light conditions & aim for a fast shutter speed to freeze any sudden movements.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Saffron 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.
