White Throated Toucan

Copyright: monacoeye • Rio Azul Lodge, Sept 2011 • Do not copy without permission

Bird name: White Throated Toucan
Latin: Ramphastos tucanus
Other: Tucán goliblanco (Es) • Tucano-de-peito-branco (Br)
Family: Ramphastidae • Toucans
Range: East Ecuador, Amazonia, incl Brazil
Similar: Channel Billed Toucan

These birds were identified by the Rio Azul Lodge guide as White-throated Toucans. Note blue patch at base of lower mandible, yellow above. Very similar to Channel-billed Toucan, though calls are different, so treat ID with caution.

Below, a White Throated Toucan in flight carrying food, in Para, Brazil, September


The bird pictured below - which was probably a White-throated Toucan, but possibly a Channel-billed Toucan - was captive in the Amazoonico rehabilitation centre in the Upper Napo area of Amazonian Ecuador. The centre receives confiscated trafficked animals from all over Ecuador. About 1/3 of animals are rereleased, 1/3 retained captive and 1/3 don’t survive.

The reasons given for holding on to animals seem complex, some birds have clipped wings, others are too tame and might be recaptured, habitat is a problem for others.

Amazoonico - Liana Lodge is not an ideal destination for birdwatchers - there are probably better alternatives in the area. The hotel, rooms and food are very nice and staff are friendly and helpful but, as the owner-biologist explained, the steady release of monkeys deters many birds from entering the area, and there are no feeders or good birding trails within the lodge’s grounds.

Having said that, there are a couple of decent spots reachable by boat. An island on the opposite bank of the river has interesting mixed flocks plus hoatzin and aracaris. Another nearby island delivers spectacular shows of returning caciques at sunset, and kingfishers, parrots and swallows can be seen from the boat.

Below, a probable White Throated Toucan at Amazoonico, Ecuador

Copyright: monacoeye • Upper Napo, Ecuador, Mar 2011 • Do not copy without permission