| FUN FACT |
While it may look heavy, the Keel-billed Toucan's beak is made of keratin and has a honeycomb pattern of air spaces. It's surprisingly light!
It is the national bird of Belize. |
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This parrot is about 20 inches long. It is mainly black with lemon yellow on the face, throat, and chest, bright red under the tail. Their large and colorful bills averages around 5-6 in (12-15 cm), but can be up to one third of its length.
The beautifully colored Keel-billed Toucan is a gregarious rainforest dweller, also known as the Sulphur-breasted Toucan or the Rainbow-billed Toucan.
Like many other toucans, Keel-billed Toucans live in social family groups of 6-12 birds. Their loud call has been compared to a frog croaking, and can be heard up to half a mile away.
The 43 species of toucans are characterized by their extremely large beaks. Their beaks are uniquely adapted to forage for fruit in the rainforest. They can snip fruit from small stems while their heavy bodies are perched on sturdier branches.
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| DISTRIBUTION |
| From southern Mexico through Central America and into parts of Colombia and Venezuela. |
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| HABITAT |
| Lowland rainforests and rainforest borders. |
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| DIET |
| Mostly fruit. Occasionally eggs, fledgling birds, insects and small lizards. |
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| BREEDING |
| Toucans are monogamous and generally like to nest in tree cavities. They will typically lay up to four eggs. |
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| STATUS |
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| AT THE AVIARY |
| See Bob and Louise during special presentations or classes only. This bird is not currently on exhibit. |
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