Keel-billed Toucan

About the Keel-billed Toucan

The keel-billed toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus), 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.

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. It has been suggested that the bill colour may also help regulate body temperature, using the many blood vessels running through it.

The plumage of the keel-billed toucan is mainly black, with a yellow neck and chest... Wikipedia →