Species · GBIF taxon 2478782
Channel-billed Toucan
Ramphastos vitellinusAlso known as Yellow-ridged Toucan, Ariel Toucan, Citron-throated Toucan
Channel-billed toucans navigate the canopy of tropical rainforests with surprisingly agile hops, using their oversized, hollow bills to pluck ripe fruits from slender branches. These highly social birds travel in small family groups, communicating with high-pitched, croaking vocalizations that carry far through the dense foliage. During the breeding season, pairs reinforce their bond by tossing fruit to one another before nesting in natural tree cavities.
FrugivorousCanopy DwellerVocal
—observations
—countries
—peak records
VulnerableConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXVulnerableRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Wild figs
- Palm fruits
- Insects
Predators
- Harpy eagles
- Large forest falcons
- Arboreal snakes
ThreatsHabitat fragmentation, deforestation, and the illegal pet trade
HabitatsLowland tropical rainforests, gallery forests, and moist woodlands
Life spanApproximately 15 to 20 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyRamphastidae
- SpeciesRamphastos vitellinus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- What to notice
- Recognizable by its black plumage, bright yellow or orange breast, and a dark bill with a blue or yellow channel along the top.
- Support conservation
- Maintain a respectful distance and avoid disclosing nesting cavity locations to protect them from poachers.
Responsible observation
- Listen for Calls: Locate them by listening for their distinctive, repetitive croaking sounds.
- Scan Fruiting Trees: Look near wild figs and palms where they gather to feed.
- Use Binoculars: Observe their canopy activity from a distance to avoid disrupting their feeding.
Predator (c) Christoph Moning, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Christoph Moning · cc-by
Competitor "White-throated Toucan | Piapoco de Garganta Blanca (Ramphastos tucanus cuvieri)" by ferjflores is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/. · cc-by-sa
Close Relative Giles Laurent / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative "Keel-billed Toucan" by Andy Morffew is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/. · cc-by
Close Relative
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