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Photo: © Stefan Hirsch eBird S47222247 Macaulay Library ML 109700181
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Choco Toucan

Rhamphastos brevis
Tucán del Pacífico
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Song

Choco Toucan

Appearance: The Choco Toucan is a medium-sized toucan with a special appearance. It has a black body with a white throat and chest. Its most striking feature is its large, colorful bill, which is blue with a bright red tip. This toucan also has bright blue orbital skin around its eyes.
Habitat: Choco Toucans are found in the wet, montane forests of the Choco region. They prefer habitats with dense vegetation and tree cover, often inhabiting the mid-to-upper levels of the forest canopy.
Behavior: These toucans are frugivorous, feeding on a variety of fruits, insects, and small reptiles. They are social birds and are often seen in small groups or pairs. Choco Toucans are known for their unique calls, which they use to communicate with each other.
Breeding: During the breeding season, Choco Toucans build their nests in tree cavities or abandoned woodpecker holes. They lay 2-4 white eggs, which are incubated by both parents. The chicks are cared for by the parents until they are ready to fledge.
Conservation Status: The Choco Toucan is currently listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN

Distribution

Choco Department: This region encompasses much of the Choco cloud forests and is a key area for the conservation of the Choco Toucan. The department of Choco is known for its high levels of rainfall and dense vegetation, providing a proper environment for toucans to thrive.

Taxonomy

The Choco Toucan (Rhamphastos brevis)
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Aves (Birds)
  • Order: Piciformes
  • Family: Ramphastidae
  • Genus: Rhamphastos
  • Species: Rhamphastos brevis

Vocalization

Calls: Choco Toucans produce a variety of calls ranging from loud croaks to softer, more melodious sounds. Their calls can vary in pitch, duration, and tone, serving different purposes such as indicating alarm, establishing territory, or communicating with other toucans in the group.
Croaking Call: One of the most  vocalizations of the Choco Toucan is a deep, resonant croaking sound. This call is often repeated several times and is used to communicate over long distances in the forest canopy.
Bill Clattering: In addition to vocalizations, Choco Toucans also engage in bill clattering. This behavior involves rapidly tapping their bills together, creating a loud clacking sound. Bill clattering is often seen during courtship displays or territorial interactions.
Contact Calls: Choco Toucans use contact calls to maintain communication with other members of their group. These calls are softer and more conversational in nature, allowing toucans to stay in touch with each other while foraging or moving through the forest.