The Red-breasted Toucan (Ramphastos dicolorus), also known as the Green-billed Toucan, is found in southern and eastern Brazil, eastern Paraguay and far north-eastern Argentina. It is primarily found in Atlantic Forest. Overall, it is fairly common, and therefore considered to be of least concern by IUCN.
It is one of the smallest species of Ramphastos toucans, weighing approximately 350 grams. Its beak is one of the shortest of Ramphastos toucans at only about 10 cm (4 in) in length. The Red-breasted Toucan derives its name from the large area of red feathers, which are really on the abdomen. Its breast is actually orange, with yellow at the sides. The beak is mostly pale greenish-horn, leading to its alternative common name, the Green-billed Toucan. In aviculture, their requirement of spacious cages, a high fruit diet and sensitivity to hemochromatosis (iron storage disease) make them difficult to maintain for novice keepers.
External links
Wikimedia Commons has media related to:
Ramphastos dicolorus
- Extensive Gallery on Toucans
- List of Toucans
- Toucan videos on the Internet Bird Collection