Keel-billed Toucan
The Keel-billed Toucan, with its dazzling rainbow-hued bill, adds a splash of color to Central American forests. Social and playful, it thrives in small groups, contributing to seed dispersal in its ecosystem. This iconic bird captivates with its vibrant presence and ecological role.
Yellow, Red, Black, Green, Orange
Color
Near Threatened
Conservation Status
Decreasing
Population Trend
Characteristics
The Keel-billed Toucan, also known as Ramphastos sulfuratus, is notable for its vibrant, multicolored bill. Native to the tropical forests of Central and South America, this toucan is social and often found in small flocks. Its diet mainly consists of fruits, but it also eats insects and small reptiles.
Distribution Range of the Keel-billed Toucan
The Ramphastos sulfuratus, commonly known as the Keel-billed Toucan, is native to Central and South America. Its geographical distribution includes countries such as Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, and northern Colombia. The species is primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions.
Keel-billed Toucan's Habitat
Environmental Conditions
The Keel-billed Toucan inhabits tropical and subtropical rainforests, typically at elevations of up to 1,900 meters (6,200 feet). It prefers dense, humid environments with abundant tree cover, which provide ideal conditions for nesting, foraging, and protection from predators. The climate in these regions is generally warm, with high humidity and significant annual rainfall.
Ecological Niche
This toucan species is primarily arboreal, spending most of its time in the forest canopy. It plays a crucial role in seed dispersal due to its fruit-based diet, which includes a variety of tropical fruits. Its brightly colored bill is adapted for reaching and accessing fruit on branches that might otherwise be out of reach, and it occasionally consumes insects, small reptiles, and eggs, contributing to its ecological role as an omnivore.
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