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Photo: © Edwin Munera eBird S27890820 Macaulay Library ML 25151201
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Citron-throated Toucan

Ramphastos (vitellinus) citreolaemus
Tucán Pechiblanco
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Song

Citron-throated Toucan

Appearance: The Citron-throated Toucan is recognized for its vibrant and colorful appearance. It has a black plumage with a bright yellow chest and throat, red undertail coverts, and a large orange bill. This toucan species showcases a unique and beautiful combination of colors that make it easily recognizable.
Habitat: The Citron-throated Toucan inhabits humid forests, including lowland and foothill rainforests. These birds prefer dense, tropical habitats with a variety of fruit-bearing trees, as they feed on fruits but also consume insects and small vertebrates. They are known to occupy both primary and secondary forest areas within their range.
Behavior: Citron-throated Toucans are frugivorous, meaning they feed on fruits as their main dietary component. They are often seen foraging in the tree canopy for a variety of fruits, relying on their large and colorful bills to reach and consume their food. These toucans are social birds and can be found in small groups or pairs
Breeding: During the breeding season, Citron-throated Toucans construct their nests in tree cavities, often utilizing old woodpecker holes or natural hollows. They  lay clutches of 2-4 eggs, which are incubated by both parents. The young toucans are cared for by the parents until they are ready to fledge from the nest.
Conservation Status: The conservation status of the Citron-throated Toucan in Colombia is considered Vulnerable.

Distribution

The Citron-throated Toucan is found in the northern region of South America, including parts of Colombia. The distribution of the Citron-throated Toucan is concentrated in the eastern and southeastern regions of the country in areas of the Amazon rainforest and lowland tropical forests.
Specifically, the Citron-throated Toucan can be observed in regions such as the Amazonas, Vaupés, Putumayo, Caquetá, and Guaviare in Colombia. These regions provide suitable habitats for these toucans, characterized by dense forests rich in fruit-bearing trees that form their primary food source. 

Taxonomy

The Name of Bird (Latin name)
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Aves (Birds)
  • Order: Piciformes
  • Family: Ramphastidae
  • Genus: Rhamphastos
  • Species: Rhamphastos vitellinus
  • Subpecies: citreolaemus

Vocalization

The vocalization of the Citron-throated Toucan is characterized by a series of deep, resonant calls that are often described as croaking or yelping sounds. These calls are  loud and can carry over long distances through the dense forest canopy. The toucans use vocalizations to establish territories, communicate with their mates and offspring, and alert others to potential threats in the environment.
The Citron-throated Toucan's vocal repertoire includes a variety of calls, such as contact calls between individuals, territorial calls to defend their feeding and nesting areas, and alarm calls to warn of predators or other dangers. The combination of these vocalizations helps the toucans maintain social cohesion and coordinate their activities within their forest habitat.