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Chestnut-mandibled Toucan, Swainson’s Toucan
Ramphastos ambiguus swainsonii
8.38781, -83.3062
Field Notes
Description:
A large bird, this chestnut-mandibled toucan was eating cecropia fruits from a tree in the small town of Puerto Jimenez. It was unmistakable with its huge, dark-red tinged black beak and brilliant yellow throat, and the bright red beneath its tail. The lime-green bare skin around its large, expressive eyes was also quite striking.
Habitat:
Obviously used to people, this bird was working on its project above a busy dirt road, with people and cars passing fifteen feet below. It was a little nervous about my persistent peering, though.
Notes:
It was interesting to watch it clamp its beak at the top of a single cecropia fruit and scrape the goodies off the stem all the way down to the tip. The bill looks awkward, but it uses it very efficiently.
Reference Links:
Chestnut-mandibled toucan
Species ID Suggestions
Spotted for Missions
Photographed
PublishedMarch 12, 2016
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