Species · GBIF taxon 2478779
Yellow-throated Toucan
Ramphastos ambiguusAlso known as Black-mandibled Toucan, Chestnut-mandibled Toucan
Yellow-throated toucans are magnificent canopy dwellers easily recognized by their massive, bi-colored bills and loud, yelping calls that echo through the neotropical rainforest. They travel in small, loose family groups, hopping agilely among branches to pluck ripe fruits or raid the nests of smaller birds. These birds play a vital ecological role by dispersing large seeds across vast forest distances.
Canopy DwellerFrugivoreVocal
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Near ThreatenedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNear ThreatenedRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Wild figs
- Palm fruits
- Insects and lizards
Predators
- Harpy eagles
- Large forest cats
- Large snakes
ThreatsHabitat loss, deforestation, and hunting
HabitatsHumid lowland and montane forests, canopy, and forest edges
Life span15 to 20 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyRamphastidae
- SpeciesRamphastos ambiguus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Capable of delivering a painful bite with their large bill if cornered or handled.
- What to notice
- Look for a large toucan with a bright yellow bib and a massive bill that is yellow on top and dark maroon or black on the bottom.
- Support conservation
- Maintain a respectful distance and avoid using playback calls, which can disrupt their nesting and foraging behaviors.
Responsible observation
- Listen for calls: Locate them by their loud, repetitive yelping calls, which sound like 'Dios-te-dé'.
- Scan the canopy: Use binoculars to search the highest branches of fruiting trees, especially early in the morning.
- Watch for flight: Look for their distinctive undulating flight pattern as they cross forest gaps one by one.
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