Keel-billed Toucan

Overview

The keel-billed toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus) is the smaller and more colorful of the two large toucans resident in Tortuguero, and arguably the most iconic bird in Central American lowland forests. Its body plumage is mostly black with a vivid yellow face and chest, and the bill — roughly one-third of total body length at 42–55 cm overall — is a multicolored palette of green, orange, red, and blue that seems improbable from a distance. Despite its size, the bill is lightweight and hollow, built from a keratin lattice over air pockets.

The species is primarily frugivorous, feeding on the pulpy fruits of rainforest trees, but takes insects, lizards, nestlings, and eggs opportunistically. They nest in natural tree cavities and old woodpecker holes, and move in social groups of 3–6 birds that call to each other with a loud, repetitive croak that carries well through closed forest.

Why Tortuguero

The keel-billed toucan is one of the most reliably sighted birds in Tortuguero and among the first species pointed out by guides on any canal tour. It does well wherever large fruiting trees remain — the park’s tall forest and its edge habitats along the canals provide abundant territory. Sightings are most common in the morning when groups move noisily between fruiting trees at canopy level, and the bill colors catch the light in ways that make the birds conspicuous even at distance.

Illegal capture for the pet trade has been documented across Central America — birds can fetch significant prices — but within park boundaries this pressure is suppressed.

How to see them (honestly)

• Any morning canal tour. Keel-billed toucans are genuinely common here; if you don’t see one on your first morning you’ll likely see several before the day is done.
• Listen for the call — a repeated, flat rek-rek-rek carrying 100+ meters through the forest. Easy to hear before the bird is visible.
• Watch fruiting figs and cecropia. Toucans are predictable where fruit is — if a guide knows a productive tree, that’s where to wait.
• Flight is distinctive: slow, undulating, with the long bill held horizontal. Groups fly across open canal sections in loose single file.

Status note

The IUCN lists Ramphastos sulfuratus as Least Concern. Previous assessments had it listed as Near Threatened due to moderate population decline from habitat loss and trade; the current LC designation reflects continued monitoring against a broad range. The principal threats remain forest clearance outside protected areas and capture for the illegal pet trade. Within Tortuguero’s protected canopy the species is secure.