Observe and photograph a species in its natural habitat
Learn where and when to observe a species in the wild, how to recognize it in the field, and what habitats it lives in. Get photography tips adapted to its behavior and capture stunning images without disturbing the animal. For full details, open the complete profile in the WildlifePhotographer app.
Yellow-throated toucan
Scientific name: Ramphastos ambiguus

IUCN Status: Least Concern
Family: RAMPHASTIDAE
Group: Birds
Shyness: Suspicious
Safe distance: 20 m
Breeding season / Courtship: 01.03-31.05
Gestation: N/A
Births: 01.05-30.06
Habitat:
Tropical forests of Central America, mainly in Costa Rica and Panama, often in woodlands and near water
Description:
The Yellow-throated Toucan is a colorful bird found primarily in the tropical forests of Central America, notably in Costa Rica, Panama, Nicaragua, and Honduras. It typically measures about 50 cm in length and weighs between 400 and 600 g. Its plumage is mainly black, with a bright yellow throat and chest, and it has a wide, colorful bill, typically yellow with touches of red and orange. The Yellow-throated Toucan is primarily frugivorous, feeding on fruits, berries, and nuts, but it can also consume insects and small vertebrates. It generally lives in small social groups and is an excellent climber, spending much of its time in trees. While it remains relatively stable in certain areas, it is sometimes threatened by deforestation and habitat loss.
Recommended lens:
>=300 mm
Photography tips:
Use a telephoto lens to photograph the yellow-throated toucan, especially when it perches on trees or in the canopy. The soft light of early morning or evening is ideal for capturing its vibrant colors and large, distinctive beak. Be discreet and respect their space to avoid disturbing their natural behavior, especially during the breeding season.
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