Keel-billed Toucan
Ramphastos sulfuratus
The Keel-billed Toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus) is a common toucan found in 10 countries, weighing about 410 g. The keel-billed toucan, also known as rainbow-billed toucan or sulphur-breasted toucan, is a species of toucan native to southern Mexico, Central America and the far northwest of South America, and is found in tropical forests.
About the Keel-billed Toucan
The keel-billed toucan, also known as rainbow-billed toucan or sulphur-breasted toucan, is a species of toucan native to southern Mexico, Central America and the far northwest of South America, and is found in tropical forests. It is the national bird of Belize. It is an omnivorous forest bird that feeds on fruit, seeds, insects, invertebrates, lizards, snakes, and small birds and their eggs.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
Including its bill, the length of the keel-billed toucan ranges from around 42 to 55 cm (17 to 22 in), while its wing length typically ranges from 189.4 to 208.4 mm (7.46 to 8.20 in). The bird typically weighs about 380–500 g (13–18 oz). The large and brightly coloured bill averages around 12–15 cm (4.7–5.9 in), about one third of the bird's total length. The bill is mainly green with a red tip and orange sides. While the bill seems large and cumbersome, it is in fact a spongy, hollow bone covered in keratin, a very light and hard protein.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in United States.
When to see it
The Keel-billed Toucan can be seen all year round, with peak activity in March. It is a resident species across most of its range.
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Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Keel-billed Toucan?
- Including its bill, the length of the keel-billed toucan ranges from around 42 to 55 cm (17 to 22 in), while its wing length typically ranges from 189.4 to 208.4 mm (7.46 to 8.20 in). Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Keel-billed Toucan?
- The Keel-billed Toucan is a large sized bird weighing about 410 g.
- Where can you see a Keel-billed Toucan?
- The Keel-billed Toucan occurs in 10 countries, including Costa Rica, Panama, Belize, Mexico and Guatemala.
- What birds look similar to a Keel-billed Toucan?
- The Keel-billed Toucan is most easily confused with the Yellow-throated Toucan, the White-throated Toucan and the Channel-billed Toucan.
- Is the Keel-billed Toucan endangered?
- The Keel-billed Toucan is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Keel-billed Toucan for real
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