H4_W1_010

Date: May-22

Location: Ecuador

Did you know?

The Plate-billed Mountain Toucan, also known as the Andean Toucanet (Aulacorhynchus haematopygus), is a bird species found in the highland forests of the Andes Mountains in South America. It is a member of the toucan family and exhibits several distinctive features. Conservation efforts focused on preserving their highland forest habitats and combatting deforestation are crucial for the survival of the Plate-billed Mountain Toucan. By protecting their natural environments and promoting sustainable land management practices, we can help ensure the continued presence of this unique and charismatic toucan species in the Andean regions.

About the picture

The Plate-billed Mountain Toucan has a predominantly green plumage with a black head and chest. Its most notable feature is its large and colorful bill, which has a reddish-orange base and a distinctive plate-like structure near the tip. The bill is used for a variety of purposes, including feeding on fruits, insects, and small vertebrates. This toucan species is typically found at higher elevations, ranging from cloud forests to subpáramo habitats. It prefers the canopy and upper levels of the forest, where it can move agilely among the branches. It is known for its energetic and acrobatic flight, often gliding between trees.

Fun Fact

Toucans have brightly colored beaks that can grow as long as half the length of their body, yet they are surprisingly lightweight due to their hollow structure.