![]() ![]() gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate).sulfuratus resides (Kricher, 1989 Beletsky, 1998). The coloration is probably more of a camouflage in the brightly colored tropical regions where R. sulfuratus probably does not have a great deal to do with mate selection, as both male and females share the same large beak and the same bright coloration. They defend the tree by threat displays and sometimes, if the other bird is also a toucan, by bill clashes (Beletsky, 1998). Sometimes a mated pair will defend a fruit tree from other toucans and other frugivorous birds. Ramphastos sulfuratus is apparently monogamous. They remain in the nest for 8 to 9 weeks so that their beaks may fully form (Kricher, 1989 Enchantedlearning, 1999). The altricial chicks hatch after 16 to 20 days of incubation. Both parents share the responsibility of incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks once they hatch. They can have up to 2 or 3 broods in a year. Ramphastos sulfuratus nests in natural or wood-pecker made tree cavities and lays clutches of 2 to 4 white glossy eggs. The behavioral characteristics of all toucan species are largely similar (Emerald Forest). There are several species of toucan, distinguished mainly by beak size, body size and body coloring. Ramphastos sulfuratus is one of the larger species of toucans, weighing about 400 grams. Its tail is long and square-shaped, and its wings are wide and short to enable flight through trees (Beletsky, 1998). Ramphastos sulfuratus has blue legs and its toes are arranged in the zygodactyl pattern (with two toes forward and two toes back)(Kricher, 1989 Greer, 1993 Beletsky, 1998). Males and females share the same coloration and large bill, the only difference being that the male is slightly larger than the female. ![]() Its bill, which takes up the entire front of its head, is green, with a bright orange blaze on the side, red on the tip of the upper mandible, and blue on the tip of the lower mandible. The area directly around the eyes is bare, showing the pale blue skin underneath. Its rump is white, and the undertail coverts are a brilliant red. sulfuratus is black, and it has a bright yellow bib and cheeks. Housed within the bill is a long, narrow, feather-like tongue. The bill is edged with tooth-like ridges. The light weight of the keratin-composed bill is due to its hollow, bone-reinforced construction (Kricher, 1989 Enchantedlearning, 1999 Thurman, 1999). ![]() sulferatus, and is surprisingly lightweight for its size (Kricher, 1989). The large banana-shaped bill is the most distinguishing feature of R. Ramphastos sulfuratus is a large (about 20 inches or 52 cm long) colorful bird, and has a bill that can grow to be up to one third the size of its body (Enchantedlearning, 1999). Ramphastos sulfuratus lives in lowland forests and on forest borders (Kricher, 1989 Belize, 2000). Ramphastos sulfuratus occurs from South Mexico to North Colombia and Northeast Venezuela (Kricher 1989). ![]()
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