Yellow-throated Toucan

The Yellow-throated Toucan, a member of the Ramphastidae family, is a vibrant bird known for its striking coloration and impressive bill. Adult birds typically range from 47 to 61 cm in length and weigh between 584 to 746 grams. Males and females are similar in appearance, though the female's bill is notably shorter.

Identification Tips

This species exhibits a predominantly black plumage with a maroon hue on the hindneck and upper back. The face, throat, and upper breast are a vivid yellow, accented with white and crimson bands below the breast. The vent and undertail coverts are a bright red. The bill is a key feature for identification, mostly yellow with a greenish-yellow stripe along the culmen and a thin black line at the base. Subspecies can be distinguished by the color of the bare skin around their eye and slight variations in bill coloration.

Habitat

The Yellow-throated Toucan favors humid primary montane forests, often venturing to forest edges, clearings, and older secondary forests. It is also known to inhabit lowland evergreen primary forests, gallery forests, and parks with ample tree cover.

Distribution

This species is found from Honduras, extending south into northern South America, reaching as far as Peru. It is divided into three subspecies, each with a distinct geographical range within this distribution.

Behaviour

The Yellow-throated Toucan is a resident bird, remaining in its range throughout the year. It is primarily frugivorous but will also consume animal matter, particularly during the nesting season. It forages in the canopy and occasionally on the ground, often defending fruiting trees from other individuals.

Song & Calls

The toucan's calls are a series of loud, far-reaching yelps, variable in tempo and pitch, and often described as "Díos te dé te dé". These calls are most frequent at dawn and dusk. The species also produces a range of other sounds, including grunts and croaks, particularly during aggressive displays.

Breeding

Breeding seasons vary by location, with nesting occurring in tree cavities. Clutch sizes are typically two to three eggs, with both parents involved in nest defense and chick rearing. Specific details on incubation and fledging periods remain unknown.

Similar Species

While the Yellow-throated Toucan is distinctive, it may be confused with other toucan species. However, its unique bill coloration and vocalizations can aid in differentiation.

Diet and Feeding

The diet consists mainly of fruit, supplemented with insects, arthropods, small lizards, and occasionally the eggs and young of other birds. Foraging behavior includes hopping between branches and hanging upside down to reach fruit.

Conservation status

The IUCN has classified the Yellow-throated Toucan as Near Threatened due to habitat loss from agriculture and ranching, as well as hunting pressures. Despite its adaptability to human-altered landscapes, the species is significantly affected by deforestation.