Ramphastos sulfuratus (The keel-billed toucan)

Copyrights Erik Alpízar

The keel-billed toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus), also known as sulfur-breasted toucan or rainbow-billed toucan, is a colorful Latin American member of the toucan family. It is the national bird of Belize.

Including its bill, the keel-billed toucan ranges in length from around 42 to 55 cm (17 to 22 in). Their large and colorful bill averages around 12–15 cm (4.7–5.9 in), about one-third of its length. It typically weighs about 380–500 g (13–18 oz). While the bill seems large and cumbersome, it is in fact a spongy, hollow bone covered in keratin, a very light and hard protein.

The plumage of the keel-billed toucan is mainly black with a yellow neck and chest. Molting occurs once per year. It has blue feet and red feathers at the tip of its tail. The bill is mainly green with a red tip and orange sides.

Keel-billed toucans have zygodactyl feet (or feet with toes facing in different directions) – two toes face forward and two face back. Because toucans spend a large portion of time in the trees, this helps the birds to stay on the branches of the trees and jump from one branch to another.

Like many toucans, keel-billed toucans are very social birds, rarely seen alone. They fly in small flocks of approximately six to twelve individuals through lowland rainforests. Their flight is slow and undulating, consisting of rapid wing beats (six to ten), then a glide with the bird's beak extending forward and dipping downward as though pulling the rest of the bird. Their feet are drawn up forward in flight. The flight distances are typically short. They live together in groups, often sharing cramped living quarters of holes in trees. There is a family structure within the group. Birds often "duel" with each other using their bills, and throw fruit into each other's mouths. They 'play ball', one throwing a fruit in the air and a second seizing it. 

Interesting Facts

Here are some interesting facts about Keel-billed Toucan:

• Keel-billed Toucans has not been legally imported to the United States since 1992. In 1976 Keel-billed Toucans were first bred in captivity in Houston Zoo.

• It is thought to be the incarnation of a demon, in its native region. According to the myth, the father of a new born child must not eat its flesh as it may bewitch the new-born.

• There are several species of Toucan and it is distinguished by size, body coloring, beak size and beak coloring. The characteristics of the Toucans are almost same.

• Its color produces a perfect camouflage in tropical and subtropical rainforest.

• Since it is the national bird of Belize, it brings large number of tourists to Belize. This also helps the country from the economic point of view.

In some markets of the world Keel-billed Toucans are available for sale, as these birds are very popular as pets. The price may vary depending on the size, age and health of the bird. If any one wishes to buy a Keel-bill, he or she should make sure that it is not illegal, since this bird is traded illegally and banned in some countries.