A colourful Keel Billed Toucan at Belize Zoo
Ramphastos sulfuratus The Keel-billed Toucan, also known as Sulfur-breasted Toucan or Rainbow-billed Toucan, is a colorful Latin American member of the toucan family. It is the national bird of Belize. Including its bill, the Keel-billed Toucans ranges in length from around 17 to 22 inches (42–55 cm).[3] Their large and colorful bill averages around 5–6 in (12–15 cm), about one-third of its length. It typically weighs about 380–500 grams ( oz.– lbs.)[4] While the bill seems large and cumbersome, it is in fact a spongy, hollow bone covered in keratin, a very light and hard protein. The plumage of the Keel-billed Toucan is mainly black with a yellow neck and chest. Molting occurs once per year.[5] It has blue feet and red feathers at the tip of its tail. The bill is mainly green with a red tip and orange sides. 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 hop from one branch to another.
Size: 4952px × 3407px
Location: Belize Zoo, Belize, Central America
Photo credit: © Luke Peters / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: beak, belize, belizean, bill, billed, bird, keel, ramphastos, sulfuratus, toucan, tropical
