Birds
Chestnut-mandibled Toucan
Ramphastos ambiguus · also called black-mandibled toucan
Calling loudly to defend its stretch of canopy, a chestnut-mandibled toucan carries a bill marked by a warm chestnut-brown lower half, one of the largest toucans alive and a close relative of the equally colourful keel-billed toucan.
Overview
The chestnut-mandibled toucan, Ramphastos ambiguus, is one of the largest toucan species, native to rainforest and forest habitat spanning Central America and northern South America. Its distinctive chestnut-brown lower bill, close relationship to the keel-billed toucan, and important role as a seed disperser make it one of the most physically impressive and ecologically valuable large toucans found anywhere in the Americas.
A giant among toucans
Rivaling even the toco toucan for size, the chestnut-mandibled toucan uses its considerable bulk and loud, far-carrying call to hold its ground across the dense forest canopy it depends on.
Status
Least Concern, though declining in parts of its range due to ongoing deforestation across Central America and northern South America.
Chestnut-mandibled Toucan: common questions
How can you identify a chestnut-mandibled toucan?
This species can be identified by the warm chestnut-brown lower half of its otherwise dark bill, a feature that directly gives the species its common name and distinguishes it from similarly sized relatives.
How big is the chestnut-mandibled toucan?
This species is one of the largest toucans in the world, rivaling the toco toucan for size among the entire toucan family.
Is the chestnut-mandibled toucan related to the keel-billed toucan?
Yes, this species is closely related to the keel-billed toucan, sharing a similar overall body shape though clearly differing in bill colouring and pattern.
Why is the chestnut-mandibled toucan declining in parts of its range?
This species has declined in parts of its range due to deforestation, which reduces the rainforest and forest habitat it depends on for both feeding and nesting.