Endangered Species Spotlight: Keel-Billed Toucan

IUCN Red List Status (2021): Near Threatened

One of the most iconic birds in the Neotropics of Central and South America, the keel-billed toucan has made its way onto the ReWorld Endangered Species series due to their decreasing territory, vulnerability to hunters, and the illegal wildlife trade.

Physical Traits

Though the name keel-billed toucan (or Ramphastos sulfuratus) may not ring a bell, the distinct coloring of the bird is one you’ll likely recognize. These colorful birds sport a yellow bib on their chest, have eyes rimmed in green, and a rainbow-colored bill of yellow, green, orange, blue, and red. Their tails have a patch of red plumage under the tail, with a white tip and complemented by blue legs. Males and females of this species share coloring; however, the males typically are a bit larger than their counterparts.

Keel-billed toucan (via Pexels)

Averaging 20 inches in length, the toucan’s bill comprises one-third of its overall size. Made of hollow bone and a thin layer of blood vessels, keratin (the same protein in human hair and nails!) protects the internal structure. This is an ultra-lightweight composition that helps to balance out proportions. One unique property of this bill structure is that it is believed to help these toucans to self-regulate their body temperature. This remarkable feature also helps with foraging, courtship, socializing, and defense.

Keel-billed toucans can weigh up to 14 oz with most of the weight distributed along their broad, heavy wings. This uneven distribution makes these birds poor fliers so they prefer to move about by hopping from branch to branch. The average life expectancy is up to 20 years with fledglings reaching maturity at 3–4 years of age.

Did you know? There are two popular nicknames for this particular bird based on its vibrant appearance: the sulfur-breasted toucan or rainbow-billed toucan!

Habitat and Diet

This species covers a vast territory ranging from southern Mexico through Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, and Venezuela. Scientists and explorers have noticed that this species prefers undisturbed forest regions within tropical and subtropical rainforests.

This still and dark environment can make capturing photos of specimens difficult. Even in zoo enclosures the habitat and personality of these birds can cause difficulty even for expert photographers. One photographer at Mexico’s Parque Zoologico details his experience here.

Studies of these creatures have revealed that there are two subspecies: the traditional and the southern. The two subspecies are similar in most aspects except size and geographic range.

Keel-billed toucans make their homes in natural tree cavities or abandoned woodpecker holes about 20 ft above the ground at the canopy level. They are crepuscular (most active at dawn and dusk) and omnivores. They have a steady diet consisting of fruit supplemented by birds, eggs, insects, lizards, and tree frogs.

The toucan also plays an important role in seeding the forest. The way in which these birds consume fruit requires larger seeds to be regurgitated whereas smaller seeds can be consumed and passed. This gives the species an important role in protecting forest biodiversity and supporting the trees on which they rely.

Social Life and Reproduction

These birds are social and live in small flocks of 6–22 individuals. The adults will socialize and, in some cases, share homes. Their bills can be used to ‘play ball’ with each other using fruit. It is also suspected that defensive posturing and ‘fencing’ can be used to establish a social hierarchy. The vocalizations used for communication are described as similar to that of a frog and can be heard from nearly a half-mile away.

What do you think? Does the call of a keel-billed toucan sound like a frog?

Adults of these species are understood to be monogamous for the duration of the courting season. The pair will nest together about six weeks prior to egg laying. During this time, the pair will find a suitable tree cavity to prepare a nest of their own for the female to lay eggs. It is expected that each clutch (like a litter, but for birds!) will contain 1–4 eggs and the parents take turns incubating the eggs.

For the first three weeks, until their eyes open, the fledglings are entirely dependent on their parents. In total, the chicks remain with their parents for 8–9 weeks though it takes them much longer than that to reach reproductive maturity.

Folklore and Icon Status

This toucan is one of the most well-known symbols of biodiversity in Latin America and was chosen as the national bird of Belize in 1981. Despite this high honor, there are mixed reactions to toucan sightings in some cultures throughout Central and South America.

In Belize, it represents good luck or guidance. Other cultures in the area receive sightings more warily, regarding the bird as a bad omen associated with demons or evil. Local medicine men can also utilize these birds as a means of interacting with the spiritual world.

Making the IUCN Red List

As of 2021, the keel-billed toucan has been classified as a near threatened species. This means that the species does not currently meet the criteria for severe designations such as Critically Endangered, Endangered, or Vulnerable at the moment. However, it is very close to or expected to qualify within the near future. The Near Threatened status is a step up from past evaluations as a species of Least Concern from 2004–2016. Prior to 2000 the numbers and threat to this species was unknown.

All sources for this article cited the same organization, Partners in Flight, as the definitive source for estimated population numbers of 50,000–499,999 Ramphastos sulfuratus. This number was calculated through forest cover loss in toucan territory, declining 10–19% over the past three generations. It’s also expected to increase to 20–29% canopy loss in the next three generations.

The large guesstimate by Partners in Flight is due to the fact that population cannot be directly tied to canopy cover. Keel-billed toucans face threats including deforestation, the illegal pet trade, and are hunted for their meat, feathers, or bills for trophies. Logging is particularly difficult to regulate in relation to these birds as their homes are high off the ground and often destroyed by this deforestation.

ReWorld is a champion of biodiversity and conservation around the world. Our Endangered Species series aims to bring light to underrepresented animals in need of support to survive the next mass extinction event. Learn more about ReWorld and, if you can, support our mission today.