The Emerald Toucanet is very similar in body form to the Groove-billed Toucanet, however there are key differences in their coloration. The beak of the Emerald is black with a yellow portion in the upper mandible, with a white patch on the very base of the bill. It has the big purple patch of feathers on the face and throat, and a purple eye ring. The underparts are lighter green than the upper parts, and it lacks the turquoise patches that the Groove-billed has on the belly. Like most toucans, their presence signals other species that is time to leave, as they will readily predate eggs and hatchlings. Also in true toucan fashion, their overall movement are slow, with spurts of fast activity.

Close up detail of the beak