Keel-billed toucan
This species is common within its range but is threatened by increased rates of habitat loss due to deforestation and the illegal exotic pet trade.
Conservation Messaging Opportunities
Help stop habitat loss
Help stop the illegal exotic pet trade
Physical features
Keel-billed toucans can weigh up to 17.6 ounces (about 498.95 g) and are about 20 inches from the tip of their bill to the tip of their tail.
Their large bill makes up about one-third of their length and is made of a spongy and hollow bone covered in keratin.
The bill is utilized largely for feeding through the dissection of fruit.
These birds have zygodactyl feet (two toes point forward and two toes point backward) that allow them to have a secure hold on the branches of the trees they live in.
Keel-billed toucans have black plumage and a bright yellow bib. They have blue feet and red feathers at the tip of its tail.
Range and Habitat
Range – Southern Mexico to Venezuela and Columbia
Habitat – Tropical and subtropical rainforests
Diet: Omnivore
Wild – Mostly fruits but are known to eat insects, lizards, tree frogs and eggs
Zoo – fruits, softbill diet
Lifespan
Wild – approximately 15-20 years
Zoo – up to 20+ years; Median life expectancy in AZA facilities is 7.5 years for males and females.
Reproduction
Keel-billed toucans reach sexual maturity around 3 to 4 years of age.
They are believed to be monogamous.
These birds nest in natural or woodpecker-made tree cavities and typically lay 1 to 4 white eggs.
Both males and females share the task of egg incubation and take turns feeding hatchling(s).
Hatchlings stay in the nest until their beaks mature and they are ready to fly.
Keel-billed toucans can have 2 to 3 broods in a year with a hatching time of 10 to 16 days.
Conservation: Near Threatened (2021)
This species remains common in its range but is still threatened by habitat loss attributed to deforestation for expanding infrastructure and farmland, hunting for its meat and colorful feathers, and trapping for the pet trade.
Seeds that pass through this bird through droppings promote the growth of native plant species to support ecosystems within the rainforest.
Interpretive Information
The keel-billed toucan is a very sociable bird and can be observed flying together in large flocks or grouped together on the branches of trees in numbers anywhere from six to twenty-two.
These birds move through the tree canopy by hopping from branch to branch.
Keel-billed toucans have been observed displaying playful behavior; some seem to “play ball” by tossing and catching pieces of fruit back and forth.
Their loud “croaking” sound can be heard up to half-mile away.
Studies have found that their large bill also functions as a temperature regulation system. The bill contains a fine network of blood vessels; by altering the blood flow to its bill in response to weather conditions, a toucan can adjust its internal body temperature.
The keel-billed toucan has also been called the rainbow-billed toucan for its bright multicolored bill.
References
International, B. I. (Birdlife. (2021, March 18). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22682102/168670038
Keel-billed toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus) - birdlife species factsheet. (n.d.). http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/keel-billed-toucan-ramphastos-sulfuratus
Keel-billed toucan. American Bird Conservancy. (2022, April 27). https://abcbirds.org/bird/keel-billed-toucan/
Keel-billed toucan. Rainforest Alliance. (2021, July 9). https://www.rainforest-alliance.org/species/keel-billed-toucan/#:~:text=Keel%2Dbilled%20toucans%20feed%20mostly,catching%20it%20in%20their%20mouths
Updated June 2024