The yellow-throated toucan is a Near Threatened species of bird in the family Ramphastidae, the toucans, toucanets, and aracaris. It is found from Honduras south into northern South America and beyond to Peru.
Region
Central America and Northern Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Caribbean slope of southeastern Honduras through Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama, and south into western Colombia and northwestern Ecuador. It also inhabits foothill and montane forests on the eastern slopes of the Andes in Colombia, Ecuador, and northern Peru, with local presence in western Venezuela. Favors humid evergreen lowland and foothill rainforest, tall secondary forest, and forest edges. Commonly uses fruiting trees in canopy gaps and along rivers and ridges.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
One of the largest toucans, it is instantly recognized by its bright yellow throat and booming, far-carrying calls. It plays a key role as a seed disperser in tropical forests and will also take small animals and eggs opportunistically. Its huge bill helps in thermoregulation and fruit handling. Habitat loss and hunting pressure threaten some populations.
Ramphastos ambiguus at the Bronx Zoo
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with gliding
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs, small groups, or loose canopy flocks moving between fruiting trees. Forms long-term pair bonds and engages in mutual preening and bill-fencing displays. Nests in tree cavities, often reusing or enlarging existing holes, with both sexes sharing incubation and chick-rearing duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud, far-carrying yelps and croaking barks, often delivered in repetitive series. Pairs may duet, creating antiphonal sequences that carry through the forest canopy.
Plumage
Mostly black with a bright yellow throat and upper breast bordered by a narrow white line and a red band below; undertail coverts are red.
Diet
Primarily consumes a variety of fleshy fruits, swallowing them whole and later regurgitating seeds, thus aiding seed dispersal. Also takes insects, small lizards, nestling birds, and eggs opportunistically. Will visit fruiting trees in mixed-species flocks and occasionally feed at forest edges and plantations.
Preferred Environment
Feeds high in the canopy and at forest edges, especially at prominent fruiting trees. Will use secondary growth, riparian corridors, and agroforestry systems with large shade trees.
