Ramphastos toco toco

(Müller, 1776)

Vernacular names
English : Toco toucan
French : Toucan toco

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Piciformes
Family : Ramphastidae
Notes : 1 other subspecies known

Identification
Largest toucan species, reaching 61 cm in length for a weight of 860 grams. Plumage shiny purplish-black. Huge orange bill with black tip. Subspecies has longer bill, yellow tinge on breast and conspicuous light red band on lower breast.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in South America, from the Guianas to central and south Brazil, west to Bolivia, south to north Argentina. This subspecies occurs in the north of the range. Lives in forest edges, palm tree groves in savannas, plantations, to 1750 meters.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species has a large range and is not dependant on forests to survive. It is still occasionally trapped for the trade or hunted. So far considered safe.
Ex-Situ Programs : SSP in America, ESB in Europe

Observation

 

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