Plate-billed Mountain Toucan

## About

A plate-billed mountain toucan perching on a tree branch.

## Background Information

### Alternate Name(s)

Laminated mountain toucan, Plain-billed mountain toucan, Hill toucan, Tucán Piquiplano

## Classification

### Species

A. laminirostris

The plate-billed mountain toucan ***(Andigena laminirostris)*** is a species of toucan part of the mountain toucan genus, Andigena, of the Ramphastidae family. The plate-billed mountain toucan has characteristic muted greyish-blue plumage across its body and tail feathers, as well as black feathers on its nape, brow, the back of its head and neck. Their wings are a bronze brown and their legs are a similar more reddish shade. Red accents appear throughout the bird's nether areas, being apparent on their ventral area and tail tip. The mountain toucan's bill is quite small comparatively to other toucan and toucanet species, only growing to 10cm (3.9in). On both the upper and lower mandibles, the red colouration of the bill fades into a jet black closer to the bill's tip. Though the purpose of the toucan's bill has been long debated, it is now commonly believed that the bill is used to regulate the bird's body temperature, through directing blood-flow to the area. The species' namesake is derived from the yellow raised 'plate' on the toucan's upper mandible. Around the plate-billed mountain toucan's eyes are bare skin that is partially turquoise as well as yellow. The eyes themselves are a dark, maroon shade. As with every Ramphastid species, the plate-billed mountain toucan has zygodactylous feet, with four toes on each of the feet. The plate-billed mountain toucan exhibits small mass differences between the sexes, with both reaching 42-53cm (16.5-21in) from crown to tail and weighing 314g (11.1oz) whereas females weigh 303g (10.7oz). This is the only difference between the sexes, otherwise being completely alike.

## Diet

Plate-billed mountain toucans are omnivorous however, they feed mainly on fruits. In terms of meat matter, the species preys upon insects and the eggs of other bird species. In particular the plate-billed mountain toucan is known for predating the young of the toucan barbet ***(Semnornis ramphastinus)***. A report has also been filed of the plate-billed mountain toucan feeding on caecilians.

## Conservation Status

Due to the encroachment of cattle farming and other agricultural forms such as coco/palm farming onto the plate-billed mountain toucan's range, intensive habitat degradation and deforestation has become a regular threat to the species. Other factors such as human settlements and road infrastructure contribute to the species decline in population, with one of the most threatening being the illegal cage-bird trade. As an exotic species, the plate-billed mountain toucan is often trafficked and sold from its native range to be exported as a pet internationally. For these reasons, the plate-billed mountain toucan species is classed as near-threatened by the IUCN.

## Range and Population

The plate-billed mountain toucan has a small and limited range, only occurring in the far Northwest reaches of the Andes in Ecuador and Colombia, known as the tropical Andes, here, the species exists only in mountainous cloud forests and rainforests. It occurs most prolifically at elevations of 1,200-3,000m (3,937-9,842ft) however, may also be found in areas of elevations of 300m (984ft). In terms of habitat, the species rarely exits forested areas and may even inhabit regions of selectively logged forest. Though the plate-billed mountain toucan has been sighted as a 'fairly common' species, its population size has not yet been quantified and is likely in decline.

## Behaviour

The plate-billed mountain toucan has a sexually dimorphic call, while males emit a "*tryyyyyyyyk"* repeating call, the female produces a more dull "*t't't't't't't't"* call. As a rather enigmatic species, little is known about the plate-billed mountain toucan's behavioural characteristics however, some information regarding the species' breeding behaviour has been recorded. Though the breeding season lasts from March-October, the plate-billed mountain toucan breeds most prolifically throughout March-August, sometimes even raising two broods due to the season's length. 2-3 eggs are laid into a tree cavity around 30m (98ft) off the ground. After an incubation period of around 16 days the eggs will hatch, fledging at 46-60 days of age. Plate-billed mountain toucans are known to often compete with toucan barbet flocks for nests, as the species share the same nest preferences and habitat.

### Relationship with Humans

Plate-billed mountain toucans are exported prolifically in the exotic pet and cage-bird trade. Though this act is illegal throughout its native range, the cag-bird trade continues to threaten the species, as it has become a popular bird for exotic pet owners.

## In Captivity

Aside from those who illegally own the plate-billed mountain toucan in their homes, the species can also be found in the aviaries of two popular US zoological institutions. These facilities are the San Diego Zoo and the Dallas World Aquarium, which are both known for their successful conservation efforts.

## Sources

* Plate-Billed Mountain Toucan | Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plate-billed\_mountain\_toucan
* IUCN Red List of Threatened Species - https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22682050/92929574
* Plate-Billed Mountain Toucan | ZOOINSTITUTES - https://zooinstitutes.com/animals/plate-billed-mountain-toucan-4267/