Friday, 16 January 2026

Keel-billed Toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus)


OTHER NAMES: Rainbow-billed Toucan, Sulphur-breasted Toucan

Latin Etymology: Ramphastos ("snouted") sulfuratus ("sulphur coloured")

Keel-billed Toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus) at Alajuela, Costa Rica - November 2025


Featured Subspecies: Ramphastos sulfuratus brevicarinatus
Weight: 380-500g  /  Length: 42-55cm  /  Wingspan: 109-153cm
NO UK STATUS IUCN Red List: Near Threatened

Perhaps behind only the Toco Toucan the Keel-billed Toucan is an iconic member of that family. Their huge bill comproises a third of their length and is used as a versatile tool for feeding on anything from reptiles, invertibrates, eggs and fruit. They are a social species, usually living in small flocks which roost together in a single hole in a tree. They are threatened by habitat loss and poaching for the pet trade.
 
Related Species: 
Order: Piciformes
Family: Ramphastidae
Genus: Ramphastos
SUBSPECIES: R. s. brevicarinatus, R. s. sulfuratus
 
- Sighting Locations -

COSTA RICA - Spanish - Tucán Piquiverde ("Green-beaked Toucan")
A widespread but uncommon species
- COSTA RICA 2025 TRIP: Seen at Alajuela 

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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