Spanish Name
Chestnut-mandibled Toucan
Ramphastos (ambiguus) swainsonii
Song
Chestnut-mandibled Toucan
Appearance: The Chestnut-mandibled Toucan, also known as Swainson's Toucan, is characterized by its vibrant and distinctive appearance. These toucans have a striking coloration, with a chestnut-colored throat and chest, a bright yellow throat and face, and a large multi-colored bill. They also have black plumage on their body and tail, complemented by splashes of blue, green, and red. The striking contrast of colors makes the Chestnut-mandibled Toucan a visually stunning bird in the tropical forests of Colombia.
Habitat: In Colombia, the Chestnut-mandibled Toucan inhabits a variety of habitats, including tropical rainforests, montane forests, humid lowland forests, and forested regions along the Pacific coast, Amazon region, Andean foothills, and parts of the Orinoco region. These toucans are primarily found in areas with dense vegetation, fruiting trees, and suitable nesting sites. They rely on the availability of forested habitats with a rich diversity of plant species for foraging and breeding.
Behavior: Chestnut-mandibled Toucans are social birds that often occur in pairs or small groups within their forest habitat. They are known for their vocalizations, including croaking, yelping, and bill clacking, which play a vital role in communication within their social groups. These toucans are fruit-eating birds and have a specialized diet that includes a variety of fruits, insects, and occasional small vertebrates. They forage in the canopy of trees, using their large bills to pluck fruits and small prey items.
Breeding: During the breeding season, Chestnut-mandibled Toucans engage in courtship displays, vocalizations, and nest-building activities. They typically nest in tree cavities or abandoned woodpecker nests, where the female lays eggs and incubates them. Both parents participate in raising the young, feeding them regurgitated fruits and caring for the chicks until they fledge and become independent.
Conservation Status: The conservation status of the Chestnut-mandibled Toucan in Colombia is considered to be of Least Concern according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Distribution
Andean Region: In the Andean region of Colombia, including the foothills and lower elevation forests of the Andes mountain range, the Chestnut-mandibled Toucan can be found. These areas provide a mix of forested habitats and fruiting trees that support the toucans' foraging and breeding activities.
Taxonomy
The Chestnut-mandibled Toucan (Ramphastos (ambiguus) swansonii)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Piciformes
- Family: Ramphastidae
- Genus: Ramphastos
- Species: Ramphastos ambiguus
- Subspecies: swansonii
Vocalization
Croaking Calls: Similar to other toucan species, the Chestnut-mandibled Toucan produces deep and resonant croaking calls. These calls serve as a means of communication between individuals within the same group or pair. The croaking sound is known for carrying over long distances, aiding in group cohesion and social interactions.
Yelping Calls: Chestnut-mandibled Toucans also emit yelping calls, which are characterized by a series of sharp and high-pitched vocalizations. These calls may be used to express excitement, alarm, or to establish territorial boundaries within their forest habitat.
Bill Clacking: In addition to vocalizations, Chestnut-mandibled Toucans engage in bill clacking, where they rapidly clap their bills together to produce a distinctive sound. This behavior is often observed during interactions with conspecifics, serving as a form of communication during displays of aggression, courtship, or group cohesion.
Rasping Calls: Chestnut-mandibled Toucans are known to produce rasping calls, characterized by a harsh and grating sound. These calls may be used in various contexts, such as to signal distress, communicate with neighboring groups, or express frustration.
