Ramphastos ariel

(Vigors, 1826)

Vernacular names
English : Ariel toucan
French : Toucan ariel

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Piciformes
Family : Ramphastidae
Notes : No subspecies known

Identification
The species can reach 56 cm in length for a weight of 398 g. Plumage mostly shiny purplish-black. Bright red undertail and rump. Face, breast and belly orange-yellow. Black bill with wide yellow basal band. Red eyering. Unmistakable.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in South America and is endemic to Brazil, as disjunct populations south of Amazon, in central and eastern parts of the country.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : ENDANGERED
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species is highly threatened by intensive deforestation throughout its range. Lack of suitable nest sites is the biggest issue. Also hunted.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

Back to “Toucans and relatives” page