The Keel-Billed Toucan(Ramphastos sulfuratus), also known as Keel Toucan, Rainbow-Billed Toucan, or Sulfur-Breasted Toucan is a bird classified in the avian order Piciformes, and family Ramphastidae. The Keel-Billed Toucan lives in Latin America.
Physical Characteristics
An adult Keel-Billed Toucan is mostly black with a yellow bib covering the throat and chest. There is red on the under tail and white on the upper tail. Keel-Billed Toucans have zygodactyl feet; this means two toes face forward and two face backward. These specialized feet help the Keel-Billed Toucan climb trees. The bill is mostly greenish-yellow but the tip is reddish. Keel-Billed Toucans weigh 426 grams(15 ounces) on average, and the average body length of this bird is 49 centimeters(1 foot, 7 inches).
| Genus | Ramphastos |
| Species | R. sulfuratus |
| Binomial Name | Ramphastos sulfuratus |
| Length | 42-55 cm(1’5”-1’10”) |
| Weight | 340-500 grams(12-18 oz) |
| IUCN Status | Near Threatened |
Range And Habitat
The Keel-Billed Toucan lives in Belize, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Panama. Keel-Billed Toucans inhabit lowland forests.
Breeding
Keel-Billed Toucans nest in tree cavities. The mother lays a clutch of 1 to 4 eggs which are incubated by both parents For 15 to 20 days.
Diet
Keel-Billed Toucans eat fruit, seeds, snakes, small lizards, beetles, and ants. They also occasionally eat the eggs and chicks of Passerines.
Predators
Keel-Billed Toucans are preyed on by birds of prey; monkeys, weasels, and snakes eat their eggs and chicks.
Fun Facts
- The Keel-Billed Toucan is the national bird of Belize.
- The Keel-Billed Toucan can live for up to 20 years.
