Channel-billed Toucan

The Channel-billed Toucan, known scientifically as Ramphastos vitellinus, is a member of the Ramphastidae family, a group of near-passerine birds. This species is recognized by its striking appearance, characterized by a large bill and vibrant plumage. An adult typically measures around 48 cm (19 inches) in length, with a bill that spans 9–14 cm (3½-5½ inches), and weighs between 300–430 g (11–15 oz).

Identification Tips

The Channel-billed Toucan exhibits sexual dimorphism, with both sexes having similar plumage but males generally larger than females. The nominate subspecies, R. v. vitellinus, features a predominantly black upper body, belly, and bill, with red undertail coverts. The throat is white, transitioning to a yellow-orange central breast, bordered laterally by white and separated from the black belly by a broad red band. The eye-patch and bill base are blue, and the iris is dark brownish.

Habitat

This toucan favors forests and woodlands, showing a preference for humid regions but can also be found in drier areas, especially along rivers. It is primarily a lowland bird but can be found at altitudes up to 1,700 m (5,600 ft).

Distribution

The Channel-billed Toucan is native to the Caribbean island of Trinidad and tropical South America, with its range extending as far south as southern Brazil and central Bolivia.

Behaviour

An arboreal fruit-eater, the Channel-billed Toucan also consumes insects, small reptiles, eggs, and frogs. It is particularly fond of lipid-rich fruits from Virola and Euterpe palms, but also feeds on Cecropia, Ficus, and other genera. Human encroachment may lead it to eat cultivated fruits like papayas, mangoes, and avocados. Its call is a distinctive croaking "cree-op cree-op cree-op".

Song & Calls

The vocalizations of the Channel-billed Toucan are characterized by a croaking sound, often transcribed as "cree-op cree-op cree-op", which can be heard echoing through the forests where it resides.

Breeding

Both parents are actively involved in rearing their young. They lay white eggs in high, unlined tree cavities, with an incubation period of 15 to 16 days. The chicks are altricial, hatching blind and naked, and remain in the nest for about 8 weeks, relying on their parents for food. They fledge after 40 to 50 days.

Similar Species

The Channel-billed Toucan can be confused with similar species such as Cuvier's Toucan (Ramphastos tucanus cuvieri), especially the subspecies R. v. culminatus, which has a yellow ridge on its bill. Hybridization where subspecies ranges overlap can result in birds with intermediate characteristics.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Channel-billed Toucan consists mainly of fruits, particularly those high in lipids. It also supplements its diet with insects and small vertebrates. The bird is known to adjust its feeding habits when in proximity to human developments.

Conservation status

The Channel-billed Toucan is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is not at immediate risk of population decline or extinction. However, it is included in CITES Appendix II, which monitors and regulates international trade to ensure it is sustainable and does not threaten the species' survival.