These stunning toucanets are black below and on the head with visible yellow feathers over the ears. They inhabit humid and wet forests, neighboring secondary growth, and partially open shaded areas. Yellow-eared Toucanets forage by themselves, in pairs, or in small groups. Although most often found in the canopy, they inhabit all levels of the forest where they mostly eat fleshy fruit. Occasionally, however, they eat animals like lizards, insects, or spiders. When calling, males tilt their heads back while moving their tails.