AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN NTInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Near Threatened — close to qualifying as Vulnerable. Requires ongoing monitoring.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Ramphastos ambiguus
Chestnut-mandibled toucan
Swainson, 1823
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
The second largest toucan in Central America, distinguishable by its yellow facial color pattern and chestnut-colored bicolored bill.
Added by
Gerardo Venegas
Reviewed by
Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.
Tucán de Swainson
Yellow-throated toucanDios-te-dé
Toucan de SwainsonTaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Aves
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Piciformes
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Ramphastidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Ramphastos
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Swainson, 1823
Record Completeness
96%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Decreasing
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Wet Season
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Omnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Inhabits humid tropical lowland forests and foothills.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Arboreal species that moves in small groups through the forest canopy.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
They usually travel in flocks of 3 to 12 individuals following a leader.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Primarily frugivorous, but consumes insects, lizards, eggs, and frogs.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Important disperser of large seeds that other birds cannot swallow.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Nests in high natural cavities; both parents incubate and feed the chicks.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
52.0 - 56.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
580 g - 750 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.2 - 4
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
36 - 48 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
14 - 15
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males15 - 20 Years
Females15 - 20 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
The male is slightly larger and has a longer bill.
Females Multi-lang
The female is slightly smaller than the male.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Serrated bill that helps grip and peel hard-skinned fruits.
Lightweight bill with honeycomb structure that allows for large size without excessive weight.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Deforestation and fragmentation of primary jungle habitat.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Its call sounds like a rhythmic bark described as 'Dios te dé' (God give you).
They use their long bills to reach fruits on thin branches that would not support their weight.