adult; no sexual dimorphism; huge bill; yellow bib (Panama; 2008-05-21)


Keel-billed Toucan
Ramphastos sulfuratus

Native Range: Latin America

Notes: a spectacular and unmistakable bird with a huge bill; the bill's bright color probably evolved via sexual selection, but its large size also serves a functional purpose by allowing the toucan to probe deep into bird nests and thereby eat the eggs and nestlings that form an important part of its diet (in addition to numerous fruits); this bird has a direct and level flight profile in which it looks like it's pushing a banana in front of its head.

yellow face as well as bib; incredibly colorful bill (Panama; 2008-05-21)
frontal view; red line below the yellow bib (Panama; 2008-05-21)

dorsal view; scarlet red rump (Panama; 2008-05-21)
frontal view; scarlet red vent area too (Panama; 2008-05-21)

searching for a bird nest to predate (Panama; 2008-05-21)
posing for a head portrait (Panama; 2008-05-21)