Keel-billed Toucan "Tiki"

Keel-billed Toucan
(Ramphastos sulfuratus)
aka Sulfur-breasted
or Rainbow-billed Toucan
"Tiki"
*Keel-billed Toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus) aka Sulfur-breasted or Rainbow-billed Toucan (Tiki)
*The species is found in tropical jungles from southern Mexico to Colombia.
*It is an omnivorous forest bird that feeds on fruits, seeds, insects, invertebrates, lizards, snakes, and small birds and their eggs. They eat a high-fruit diet and are sensitive to hemochromatosis (an iron storage disease).
*It is the national bird of Belize.
*Including its bill, the keel-billed toucan ranges in length from around 42 to 55 cm (17 to 22 in).
*Southern Mexico to Venezuela and Colombia. It roosts in the canopies of tropical, subtropical, and lowland rainforests, up to altitudes of 1,900 m (6,200 ft)
*It is an omnivorous forest bird that feeds on fruits, seeds, insects, invertebrates, lizards, snakes, and small birds and their eggs.
*Their large and colorful bill averages around 12-15 cm (4.7-5.9 in), about one-third of its length. It typically weighs about 380-500 g (13-18 oz). While the bill seems large and cumbersome, it is in fact a spongy, hollow bone covered in keratin, a very light and hard protein.
*Keel-billed toucans have zygodactyl feet (or feet with toes facing in different directions) - two toes face forward and two face back. Because toucans spend a large portion of time in the trees, this helps the birds to stay on the branches of the trees and jump from one branch to another.
*Keel-billed toucans are very social birds, rarely seen alone. They fly in small flocks of approximately six to twelve individuals through lowland rainforests. Their flight is slow and undulating, consisting of rapid wing beats (six to ten), then a glide with the bird's beak extending forward and dipping downward as though pulling the rest of the bird. Their feet are drawn up forward in flight. The flight distances are typically short. They live together in groups, often sharing cramped living quarters of holes in trees. There is a family structure within the group. Birds often "duel" with each other using their bills, and throw fruit into each other's mouths. They 'play ball', one throwing a fruit in the air and a second seizing it.
*Their loud calls are described as a series of froglike "crr, crr, crr" followed by louder "cra, cra, cra" and ending with a a shrill "cree, cree, cree". The voices of females tend to have higher pitched. They may sing in duets or several birds may sing in a chorus that is reminiscent to a pond of frogs. They also produce a low, mechanical rattle vocalizations. Their calls are heard throughout the day.
*This widespread bird is considered to be a Species of Least Concern by the IUCN. However, they are still threatened by hunting for their meat and beaks, and toucan populations are on a decreasing trend.
*Average lifespan is up to 20 years

[@PufferBass]

So cute!