Toucan Barbet

## About

A toucan barbet perched in a tree.

The toucan barbet ***(Semnornis ramphastinus)*** is a species of New World barbet and is one of two species of the semnornithidae family. The toucan barbet is a rotund and colourful bird, possessing muted blue plumage on its cheeks, upper throat and tail, as well as red plumage on its breast. gold and dark yellow colouration is present on the toucan barbet's underbelly and rump while brown feathers mark its upper back. Purplish shades of blue are apparent on the toucan barbet's wing coverts. The species has a monochromatic facial pattern, with a black 'mask' and brow which is marked also with white. The barbet also has a characteristically unique broad bill, accented by pale red markings at its base and a black tip. The sexes are alike in appearance, not displaying any major forms of sexual dimorphism. In size the toucan barbet can reach a length of 19-21cm (7.5-8.3in) from crown to tail and can weigh up to 80-115g (2.8-4.1oz).

## Diet

The toucan barbet is an omnivorous species, consuming a variety of both animal and plant matter. The barbets are known to eat various species of canopy fruits, specifically those of the Clusia and Cecropia tree orders. Toucan barbets are also known to consume nectars, flowers, insects (such as termites), reptiles and tree saps. Depending on the month the bird's diet will vary, for example, they are much more likely to prey upon insects specifically in April however, juveniles will typically take more insects than plant matter. While surveying their territory, toucan barbets may will often feed.

## Conservation Status

Toucan barbets are listed as near-threatened by the IUCN and are endangered by factors including a variety of man-made threats. The cage-bird trade is one of the largest contributors to the species' decline, exporting wild caught birds in order to be sold nationally as exotic pets however, recent actions have been made in order to control and discourage illegal trapping. Forest degradation has proven to be the most active and damaging threat to the species' population, usually being used to clear out the toucan barbet's range in order to accommodate new road and settlement plans. 40% of the essential habitat for the barbets in the Chocó forest has been cleared, resulting in low reproductive success for the toucan barbet, when combined with nestling predation by the plate-billed mountain toucan ***(Andigena laminirostris)***. Cultivation of coco palms and other agricultural processes such as cattle grazing has also led to the continued decline of the species. The range of the toucan barbet is also subject to mass gold and mineral mining, further endangering the species future.

## Range and Population

The toucan barbet inhabits areas of northwestern South America, including the countries of Colombia and Ecuador. Here, the species can be found habitats of rainforest, particularly in areas of the tropical Andes at altitudes of 1,400-2,400m (4,600-7,900ft). Though the species is classed as near-threatened, it still commonly appears in urban areas. population surveys in the late 1980s in La Planada Nature Reserve, Colombia, have determined that the species population is likely around 73,000 mature individuals. Though this population does not readily approach thresh-holds of vulnerability, continued threats may allow the decline of the species to become more rapid.

## Behaviour

Toucan barbets are moderately social, flocking in groups of 3-6 and perching quietly in lines along outstretched branches. Their silent nature proves a challenge whilst locating them, as they are not apparent at all, unless singing. Toucan barbets will spend up to 12 hours daily surveying their 4-6ha (9.9-26.2ac) territories and while flying they appear rushed and quite noisy, elevating only around 30m (98ft) off the ground. Though they often appear in groups made up of only toucan barbets, the birds also occur often in mixed species flocks, comprised mostly of other majority frugivorous species. Though toucan barbets are typically quiet birds, as songbirds they are also known to be quite loud when required. Their calls are very unique, sounding like loud shrieks and travelling prolonged distances. Often times, the species will sing most when duetting with a breeding partner. These duets are sung when displaying the pair's territory and are most prolific in April. Toucan barbet breeding season is long, taking place from February-October, raising up to 2-3 broods yearly. Flocks typically shrink to just 3 typically familial, members in this time frame. When nesting, a pair will carve out a cavity in a dead tree trunk or snag using their broad beaks, which they will soon nest and roost in. Breeding cooperatively, toucan barbets will aid the dominant breeding pair in the rearing of offspring. Incubation will last 15 days and both sexes take part however, the male accepts more incubation duty than the female. After a period of 45 days, the nestlings will begin fledging and they will come to look almost identical to their parents, with the exceptions of their duller plumage and black irises rather then the adult's crimson irises. Once 2 months have past, this fledge will become adult plumage. The juveniles may also stay at the nest in order to help their parents with the subsequent rearing of the following brood. To deter predators and competing birds from their nests, a familial flock of toucan barbets will tap and click the outside of their nest with their strong beaks however, if this fails, the group will attempt to mob the predator or competitor, aiming to overwhelm it.

### Relationship with Humans

Toucan barbets are commonly spotted by humans due to encroachment on their range. This has led to a decrease in barbets and also an increase in their availability in the cage-bird trade. The barbets are often branded as exotic pets, being sold in markets and other communal areas in South America.

## In Captivity

Due to their specialised lifestyle, toucan barbets cannot be efficiently housed in captive facilities.

## Sources

* IUCN Red List of Threatened Species - https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22681956/92927185
* Toucan Barbet | Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toucan\_barbet
* Toucan Barbet | Birdlife International Datazone - http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/toucan-barbet-semnornis-ramphastinus