Scientific name: Ramphastos sulfuratus
Common name: Keel-billed toucan, royal toucan
Characteristics: It is a large and colorful bird, with a shiny black
body, black tail with white feathers on lower back and crimson feathers under
base of tail. The bill is very long in relation to the rest of the body, but
very light; bill is greenish yellow turning almost dark red toward the tip.
Legs are bright blue, with two toes directed forward and two backward. Males
have a longer bill than females. Their voices can be taken for cricket or tree
frog chirps. They are found in couples or in groups of 12 or more individuals.
During the breeding season in spring they nest in tree holes and lay 3 - 5 eggs.
Habitat: They live in humid jungles, in forest edges, and in plantations.
Food: Their diet includes fruits, insects, mice, lizards, bird eggs
and nestlings.
Status: Appendix III, for Guatemala
Threats: Traded for ornamental purposes (CITES).
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