There are different types of toucans that can be found in Costa Rica. The species that this blog will discuss is Ramphastos ambiguus. There are two colloquial names for Ramphastos ambiguus: the black mandible toucan and the yellow throated toucan. This species inhabits humid forests in the Neotropics.

Photo Credit:  Hectonichus – Bronx Zoo

Ramphastos ambiguus is mostly black with a yellow throat.  It can be confused with the Chestnut mandible toucan, which is closely related and has many similarities.  Ramphastos ambiguus has a two colored beak and is yellow and dark brown. There are feathers on its upper back that are maroon tipped, with a breast that is yellow (upper area) and red (lower area). The bird can be approximately 53-56 cm and live an average of eleven years. They are non-migratory, and they prefer secondary forests, clearings, swamps and plantations. They are important fruit dispersers in tropical forests.

Costa Rica provides an optimal environment for the black mandible toucan, but its presence has declined. Per the IUCN, its conservation status is “Near Threatened”. The decline has been influenced by the reduction of forests although the species may tolerate some level of deforestation. Although deforestation is the number one threat to the species, in some areas, it is also hunted. Currently there are no actions in place for the conservation of the toucan. Some methods to improve its conservation might include more regulation to prohibit deforestation or more efficient land management.

Citations:

Birds of the World. Family Ramphastidae: Toucans and Allies. 28 May 2017. http://carolinabirds.org/HTML/Pici_Toucan.htm#ToucanChestnutmandibled 

Photo Credit:  Hectonichus – Bronx Zoo