Toucans (genus)
| Toucans | ||||||||
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Green-billed toucan ( Ramphastos dicolorus ) |
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| Systematics | ||||||||
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| Scientific name | ||||||||
| Ramphastus | ||||||||
| Linnaeus , 1758 |
The toucans ( Ramphastos ) are a genus within the toucan family. They occur exclusively in Central and South America. They are large birds with very conspicuous, sometimes very brightly colored beaks. They belong to the character birds of their respective region.
The number of species has not yet been conclusively clarified; Due to the very different plumage and beak coloration, up to 14 or 15 species were previously distinguished. In the meantime, some toucans that were previously described as independent species, such as the lemon toucan , the Kulmtoucan and the Cuvier toucan, are classified as subspecies. The IUCN currently counts eight separate species, all of which it classifies as least concern . Exact population figures are not available for most of the species, but they are all at least regionally common.
Appearance
Toucans are characterized by predominantly black plumage on the upper side of the body. The black plumage extends in all species from the skull to the trunk and tail. Exceptions are the golden-throated toucan and the coastal toucan , in which the feathers from the top of the head to about the middle of the back are also black, but have a dark red-brown tip. In all species, the upper tail cover and the lower tail cover are not black, but either white, red or orange. The lower half of the face, throat, and large parts of the chest are yellow or white in color. The rest of the underside of the body is usually black; large parts of the belly of the red toucan are also reddish-pinnate. The tail is mostly straight, but also somewhat rounded in some species. It is barely three quarters as long as the wings.
The giant toucan has the longest beak of the toucans . The males of the nominate form have an average beak length of 20 centimeters, the beak length of the subspecies Ramphastos toco albogularis is slightly smaller at 18.7 centimeters. Females of the giant toucans generally have slightly smaller beaks in both subspecies. The females of the nominate form have an average beak length of 17.9 centimeters.
The upper bill is strongly curved in all species of the genus, the lower bill can also have an almost straight shape in individual species such as the yolk toucan . The beaks are very differently colored. The yolk toucan and the fishing toucan have the most colorful beak of the toucans . In these two species, depending on the subspecies, the beak is greenish, orange, red-brown, brownish and black in color.
The red toucan is the smallest species of the genus Ramphastos . The males of the toucan have a wing length of 17.7 to 19.0 centimeters. The beak measures between 9.67 and 10.70 centimeters and they weigh about 283 grams. Females have a wing length of 17.3 to 19.0 centimeters, a beak length of 7.93 to 9.15 centimeters and weigh between 265 and 400 grams.
Distribution area and habitat
Ramphastos species occur from north Central America to the south of South America. The species furthest south is the red toucan, which occurs partly south of the 30th parallel south. The members of this genus are usually forest-dwelling species. The giant toucan is the only type of toucan that also inhabits semi-open terrain. Mostly humid, tropical to subtropical forests are settled. They occur predominantly in the lowlands, but some species also colonize the lower altitudes of the Andes.
Way of life
Ramphastos species are usually observed individually, in pairs or in small groups. They are omnivores, but in their diet the proportion of fruits predominates. Fruit-bearing trees that they feed on are usually vigorously defended from other birds. Because they drop the larger seeds and excrete smaller seeds undigested in their feces, they play an important role in the spread of plant species. The golden-throated toucan , for example, contributes significantly to the spread of the sebum nutmeg tree . 45 percent of the seeds in this tree that are eaten by birds come from the golden-throated toucan. But all species also eat animal food. These usually include insects, spiders, lizards, snakes and occasionally small mammals. Toucans also regularly rob other bird species. Toucans kept in captivity have been observed several times as they hunt for smaller species of songbirds. The golden-throated toucan was observed driving a female double-tooth harrier from the nest in order to subsequently eat the clutch. A joint hunt for lizards with the partner bird has also been observed in this species.
Toucans are cave breeders that usually use natural tree hollows. Both parent birds are involved in the breeding and rearing of the young birds.
species
The following species are included in the genus Ramphastos :
- Fisher toucan ( R. sulfuratus )
- Sea toucan ( R. brevis )
- Green-billed toucan ( R. dicolorus )
- Swainson's Toucan ( R. swainsonii )
- Golden-throated toucan ( R. ambiguus )
- Cuvier ( R. tucanus ), several subtypes, including the earlier as a separate species-guided Cuvier Tukan ( R. tucanus cuvieri )
- Giant Toucan ( R. toco )
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Yolk toucan ( R. vitellinus )
- Lemon Toucan ( R. vitellinus citreolaemus )
- Kulmtukan ( R. vitellinus culminatus )
supporting documents
literature
- Werner Lantermann: Toucans and Arassaris. Filander Verlag, Fürth 2002, ISBN 3-930831-46-5
- Lester L. Short and Jennifer FM Horne: Toucans, Barbets and Honeyguides - Ramphastidae, Capitonidae and Indicatoridae . Oxford University Press, Oxford 2001, ISBN 0-19-854666-1
Web links
Single receipts
- ↑ Lantermann, p. 171
- ↑ BirdLife factsheet on the genus Ramphastos , accessed December 28, 2010
- ↑ Lantermann, p. 172
- ↑ Short et al., P. 419
- ↑ Short et al., P. 404
- ↑ Short et al., P. 403
- ↑ Short et al., P. 420
- ↑ Short et al., P. 431
- ↑ Short et al., P. 431
- ↑ BirdLife factsheet on the genus Ramphastos , accessed December 28, 2010