The plate-billed mountain toucan is a species of bird in the family Ramphastidae. It is native to the west slope of Ecuador and extreme southern Colombia, where it lives in the high-altitude humid mountain forests of the Andes.
Region
Northern Andes (west slope of Ecuador and extreme southern Colombia)
Typical Environment
Inhabits humid montane cloud forests, especially mature, moss-laden stands rich in epiphytes and fruiting trees. It favors mid- to upper-canopy strata but will descend to forest edges and semi-open areas when fruiting trees are available. Occurs along ridges, steep ravines, and broken forest as long as canopy connectivity remains. It tolerates some disturbance but declines sharply with extensive deforestation.
Altitude Range
1100–2600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Named for the distinctive rectangular 'plate' on the upper mandible, this toucan is a standout of Andean cloud forests. It plays a key role as a seed disperser, moving the seeds of many montane trees across the landscape. Pairs often duet, and their far-carrying yelps are a characteristic sound of high-elevation forests. They nest in natural tree cavities, with both parents sharing incubation and chick-rearing.
Northwestern Ecuador
Temperament
cautious yet social; often confiding where undisturbed
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with gliding hops between trees; not a long-distance flier
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs or small family groups moving through the mid- to upper canopy. Both sexes participate in cavity nesting and provisioning of young. Pairs may engage in mutual preening and bill-touching displays.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives far-carrying yelps, croaks, and hollow clucks, often in rhythmic series. Pairs may duet, creating alternating notes that carry through the cloud forest.
Plumage
Mostly slaty-blue underparts with darker blue tones, olive-brown to dusky upperparts, and a blackish crown and nape. The throat is pale gray to whitish, and the undertail coverts are bright rufous-red. Bare facial skin around the eye is bluish.
Diet
Primarily frugivorous, taking a wide array of soft, fleshy fruits and berries. It also supplements with insects and other small invertebrates, and occasionally small vertebrates or eggs. Its wide gape allows it to swallow fruits whole, later dispersing seeds across the forest. Seasonal shifts in fruit availability drive local movements and flocking at fruiting trees.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mainly in the mid- and upper canopy of humid cloud forests, especially at fruiting trees. It also visits forest edges, clearings, and secondary growth where fruit resources are concentrated.
