Welcome back, birding enthusiasts, to another adventure in the incredible avian world of Costa Rica! Today, we’re setting our sights on a true rainforest icon, a bird whose presence is as unmistakable as its flamboyant beak – the Keel-billed Toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus). Also known as the Sulfur-breasted Toucan, Rainbow-billed Toucan, or Keel Toucan, this dazzling creature is a resident of the lush rainforests blanketing Costa Rica’s mountains, including the very ones our retreat calls home!
A Feathery Fashionista
The Keel-billed Toucan is a sight to behold. At roughly 20 inches long, with a beak that can reach a third of its body length, it’s a true giant amongst its rainforest brethren. But its size is just the beginning. Its plumage is a symphony of blacks, yellows, whites, and reds, with a particularly vibrant yellow throat and a splash of red under its tail. And then there’s the beak – a masterpiece of evolution painted in vibrant greens, oranges, reds, and blues. This extraordinary bill may seem cumbersome, but it’s surprisingly lightweight thanks to its hollow, keratin construction reinforced by thin bone.
Life in the Rainforest Crown
Keep your eyes peeled for Keel-billed Toucans high up in the rainforest canopy. These social birds prefer to live in flocks of six to twelve individuals, flitting from branch to branch with surprising agility for their size. While not the most graceful fliers, their broad wings allow for short bursts of flight followed by gliding descents. Their loud, frog-like croaks often give them away before you even spot their vibrant plumage.
A Multipurpose Marvel: The Keel-billed Toucan’s Beak
The Keel-billed Toucan’s most striking feature, its beak, serves a multitude of purposes. It acts as a pair of tongs for plucking fruit, a key part of their omnivorous diet. They’re also adept insectivores, and their hefty beak comes in handy for breaking into tough seeds and nuts. But the beak’s role goes beyond food. It’s believed to be a crucial tool in courtship displays, with males using their colorful beaks to attract mates. The beak may even function as a defensive weapon, its size a deterrent to potential predators.
Sharing the Rainforest Stage
At dusk, Keel-billed Toucans retreat to cozy cavities in trees, often sharing these roosts with several other members of their flock. Due to limited space, they resort to some interesting sleeping postures, tucking their impressive beaks beneath their wings for warmth.
Spotting a Rainbow in the Trees
While Keel-billed Toucans are more commonly found in the lowland rainforests on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, they can also be spotted in the mountain rainforests where our retreat is nestled. Keep your eyes peeled for flashes of color high in the canopy, and listen for their loud croaks echoing through the trees. With a little patience, you might just be lucky enough to witness this dazzling resident of the Costa Rican rainforest in all its glory.
Beyond Birding: Conservation Efforts
The Keel-billed Toucan is currently listed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN. However, habitat loss due to deforestation is a threat. Here at our retreat, we’re committed to sustainable practices that protect the rainforest ecosystem, ensuring that future generations can continue to marvel at these magnificent birds.
For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica
This post is also available in: Français (French) Español (Spanish)