The Emergent Layer

The tallest trees of the rainforest are in the emergent layer. These tall trees get lots of sunlight.  Some of the trees grow as tall as 200 feet tall.

Many different kinds of animals live in the emergent layer.  Some animals never go below this level.  Choose an animal below to learn more about.   Fill in your "Hide and Seek" information sheet as you read about your animal.

Toucan

Where they live: Emergent layer of rainforests.

What they eat: Fruits, insects, lizards, small birds, eggs, berries, and rodents.

Enemies (Predators): Humans, larger birds, alligators, and jaguars.

Interesting Facts: They live in the holes of decayed trees. Their bill is frightening to other birds and small animals. They have 2 toes forward and 2 toes backwards. This gives them an excellent grip on trees. Their tongue is feathered. They are one of the noisiest birds in the world. They are blind when born. They open their eyes around 3 weeks.

Scarlet Macaw

Where they live: The emergent layer of the rainforest.

What they eat: Fruit, seeds, and nuts.

Enemies (Predators): Humans, larger birds, alligators, and jaguars.

Interesting Facts: They stay with their babies for up to two year. Sometimes the like to take a rest by riverbanks. They are an endangered species (not many of them left on earth). They are one of the most colorful animals in the rainforest. They can fly as fast as 35 miles per hour.

Blue Morpho Butterfly

Where they live: Emergent layer of the rainforest.

What they eat: The juice from dying fruits and flowers.

Enemies (Predators): Birds, big bugs, big insects, and humans.

Interesting Facts: Spends the night hanging from trees or the underside of leaves. Folds up its bright wings when it sleeps. There are 17 kinds of Morpho butterflies. Some have tan and white wings, but most have blue wings. It loves to sit in the sun. The Morpho butterfly lives for only a short time, from a few days to about 8 months.