The Choco toucan is a near-passerine bird in the family Ramphastidae, the toucans, toucanets, and aracaris. It is found in Colombia and Ecuador.
Region
Chocó biogeographic region
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid lowland and foothill rainforests on the Pacific slope of Colombia and northwestern Ecuador. It favors mature evergreen forest but also uses tall secondary growth, forest edges, and river corridors. Most activity is in the mid to upper canopy where fruiting trees are abundant. It tolerates some habitat disturbance but declines where forest is heavily fragmented.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Choco toucan is a large, fruit-loving toucan endemic to the humid forests of the Chocó biogeographic region in western Colombia and northwestern Ecuador. Its booming, frog-like calls carry far through the canopy. Like other toucans, it nests in tree cavities and plays an important role in seed dispersal for many rainforest plants.
In northwestern Ecuador showing white uppertail coverts
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with undulating glides
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small groups moving through the canopy between fruiting trees. Nests in natural cavities or old woodpecker holes; both sexes share incubation and chick-rearing. Pairs maintain loose territories and may engage in mutual calling and bill-fencing displays.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud, resonant yelps and croaking notes, often given in repeated series that carry over long distances. Also produces rattling clacks and harsh calls during social interactions.
