[Animals] This is the canoe-billed toucan, the bird that extends its colors from Mexico to Venezuela

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Tireless inhabitant of the jungle, the canoe-billed toucan regulates insect and lizard po[CENSORED]tions from Mexico to Venezuela
Talking about toucans is an extensive topic, since this term can be used for any of the birds of the Ramphastidae family. According to Britannica, there are 35 species that make up this classification. They all live on the American continent. They are characterized by their long, brightly colored beaks. Among them, the canoe-billed toucan is one of the largest and most representative members of the group. This is what we know about him.

Canoe-billed toucan: an avid hunter of insects and lizards
The canoe-billed toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus) grows to about 50 centimeters, says Britannica. On the other hand, the National Commission for the Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity (CONABIO) points out that the weight of this bird usually reaches 500 grams.

Most of the body of the canoe-billed toucan is black, while the face, throat, and chest are yellow. The beak, which constitutes a third of the total size, is distinguished by being of various colors, green being the predominant one. Contrary to what one might think, this part is quite light, since it is made of hollow bone reinforced with keratin.

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Regarding the distribution of the canoe-billed toucan, it is known that it lives from southern Mexico to northern Colombia and northwestern Venezuela. Therefore, the habitat of this bird corresponds to tropical lowland forests and cloud forests of medium altitude, according to the American Bird Conservancy.

The same organization comments that the canoe-billed toucan bases its diet on fruits. However, it is also a predator of insects and lizards. Here, the long beak is very useful, since it allows it to reach its edible material through narrow and difficult-to-reach spaces.

When it comes to eating fruit, the ritual of the canoe-billed toucan is very distinctive. First, it plucks the fruit with its beak, then it throws the food upwards, while tilting its head back in order to capture it and swallow it whole.

A sociable and agile bird
Regarding behavior, CONABIO points out that the canoe-billed toucan is a species that moves in flocks of 6 to 12 individuals, an act that makes it a sociable animal. Additionally, it is an agile and hyperactive organism because it spends a good part of its waking time moving from branch to branch with cautious jumps.

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The recently cited entity says that the canoe-billed toucan is a monogamous species that begins its reproductive age at 2 or 3 years of age. Their nests are placed in tree cavities, at heights ranging from 6 to 10 meters. According to the referred text, the laying involves 3 or 4 eggs, and these are incubated for 15 to 17 days. Once hatched, the young remain in the nest for 45 to 49 days.

State of conservation
The American Bird Conservancy comments that this toucan remains common throughout much of its range. However, habitat loss persists as a threat to this species. Even the hunting of these birds is not unusual: there are those who catch them for the pet trade, due to their exotic nature and attractive colors.

In this regard, CONABIO says that, although there are no special management programs for the bird in Mexico, some zoos breed it in captivity, thus achieving another focus for its conservation. Taking care of the canoe-billed toucan is another way of looking in favor of maintaining the forests in which it lives, since this species helps disperse seeds that continue to nourish these ecosystems.

https://www.ngenespanol.com/animales/tucan-pico-canoa-el-ave-que-extiende-sus-colores-de-mexico-a-venezuela/