The citron-throated toucan is a near-passerine bird in the family Ramphastidae, the toucans, toucanets, and aracaris. It is found in Colombia and Venezuela.
Region
Northern South America (Colombia and Venezuela)
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid lowland and foothill forests of northern Colombia and northwestern Venezuela, including forest edges, riverine gallery forests, and tall secondary growth. Most active in the mid to upper canopy but also visits edges and fruiting trees in clearings. It tolerates some habitat disturbance where tall fruiting trees remain. Often forages along ridges and foothill slopes near the Andean and Maracaibo basins.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Sometimes treated as a subspecies within the Channel-billed Toucan complex, this form is distinguished by its vivid lemon-yellow throat and narrow orange breast band. It is an important seed disperser for many rainforest trees. Like other toucans, it nests in natural cavities and old woodpecker holes high in trees. Its massive bill is lightweight and well suited to plucking fruits in the canopy.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides between trees
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small groups and sometimes joins mixed-species fruiting aggregations. Roosts communally in tree cavities, tucking its bill under the wing. Nests in cavities high in trees; both sexes participate in incubation and feeding of young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives a series of far-carrying, frog-like croaks and yelps, often repeated in steady sequences. Also produces rattling grunts and clucks during social interactions.
