There are six different species of toucans in Costa Rica. The yellow-eared toucanet, the blue-throated toucanet, the fiery-billed aracari, the keel-billed toucan, the collared aracari and the chestnut-mandibled toucan or Swainson’s toucan. The latter three are the most common in Costa Rica. What is surprising is that all these toucans look quite different; from the size of the body to the different colors of the plumage.
What they all have in common, however, is the oversized and lightweight beak which is actually four times larger than its head. The beak not only shines beautifully and in all colors but it also cools the toucan. Depending on the outside temperature, the toucan can decide how much blood flows through its beak and thus pump more blood through its non-insulated beak when the outside temperature is high. As a result, it emits heat through its beak and does not overheat or freeze so quickly when outside temperatures are low.
Researchers suspect the beak is used for self-defense, finding a partner and as a recognition feature since each toucan has an individual beak color. In order not to attract uninvited guests with this conspicuous beak, the toucan rests its beak on its back when it sleeps and folds its tail over its head so that it can only be recognized as a black or green ball of feathers.
Toucans are found at all altitudes in Costa Rica, from tropical lowland rainforests to cloud forests in the mountains. Here they feed on fruits, insects, reptiles and occasionally on smaller mammals. Once a couple has found each other they stay together for life. Together they look for a hollow abandoned tree in which the female lays two to four eggs. Once the eggs hatch, both parents take care of their offspring equally until they fledge after about six to nine weeks and leave the nest.
This is easy with common species such as the chestnut-mandibled toucan (Swainson’s toucan) or the collared aracari. They are seen relatively often and the call of toucans can be heard from far away and is easy to identify. It is more difficult with highland species such as the blue-throated toucanet, which hops through the treetops very well camouflaged. The fiery-billed aracari is more commonly found in the south and on the coast, while the yellow-eared toucan is found on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. The keel-billed toucan is absent from southwestern Costa Rica, as is the collared aracari.
As you can see, each toucan has its own characteristics, but once you’ve found one, you will have a moment to remember for a lifetime. On our guided bird watching tour in La Fortuna, you’ll have the best chance of seeing a toucan. We’re also happy to advise you on individual travel packages.
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