Black-mandibled Toucan: where and when to see them

The black-mandibled toucan belongs to a large, fruit-eating toucan species with a yellow throat, black body and an imposing bill. Naming needs care in Costa Rica: its resident form is usually called the chestnut-mandibled toucan and is commonly treated as Ramphastos ambiguus swainsonii. The nominate black-mandibled form occurs farther south in northwestern South America. This profile follows the broader species treatment while distinguishing the Costa Rican form rather than implying identical bill coloration throughout.

Size

47–61 cm long

Weight

580–750 g

Lifespan

Not reliably established

Status

Near Threatened

These toucans move through forest crowns in pairs or small parties, often advertising their presence with loud, carrying calls. They hop along branches, reach for fruit with the bill and sometimes toss food backward before swallowing. Nesting takes place inside tree cavities rather than in an exposed woven nest. Birds may travel between fruiting trees and investigate other birds' nests, combining a mainly fruit-based diet with opportunistic animal feeding. Social grooming is observed, with pairs or family groups often preening each other. During nesting, both parents participate in incubating the eggs and feeding the young, sharing responsibilities for their offspring's development.

• The Costa Rican form is widely known as the chestnut-mandibled toucan.
• Its large bill has a lightweight internal structure rather than being solid bone.
• It nests in tree cavities and does not excavate like a woodpecker.
• Seeds carried away from parent trees can contribute to forest regeneration.

Watching is possible throughout the year where the Costa Rican form is resident. Drier months often make forest trails easier to use, but fruit availability and daily activity matter more than a simple seasonal peak. Early mornings usually offer better calling and movement. Peak fruiting seasons, which vary locally, generally offer the best chances for observing their feeding activity. Mornings are particularly active for foraging and social interactions before the midday heat sets in.

Humid tropical forest, mature secondary growth and wooded edges provide feeding and nesting habitat. Large trees supply both fruit and cavities. In Costa Rica, the chestnut-mandibled form inhabits suitable lowland and foothill forests, including some coastal forests, but not open beaches. They typically avoid disturbed areas and prefer continuous forest cover. While they can be found at elevations from sea level up to 2,400 meters, their abundance generally decreases at higher altitudes.

Fruit supplies most of the diet, especially fleshy forest fruits swallowed whole or in pieces. Insects, small vertebrates, eggs and nestlings supplement plant foods. By transporting and passing seeds, these toucans help connect fruiting trees with potential regeneration sites elsewhere in the forest. In addition to fruits, they consume a variety of invertebrates such as large insects and spiders. They are also known to prey on small reptiles and amphibians when available, demonstrating their opportunistic feeding strategy.

Common name

Black-mandibled Toucan

Scientific name

Ramphastos ambiguus

Animal group

Birds

Size

47–61 cm long

Weight

580–750 g

Lifespan

Not reliably established

Status

Near Threatened

Identification

Compared with keel-billed toucans, this species is larger with a mostly two-toned bill; Costa Rican birds have chestnut rather than truly black mandibular areas. The chestnut patch on the lower mandible of the Costa Rican form is a key distinguishing feature from other toucan species in the region. Their large size, overall black plumage, and pale yellow bib also help differentiate them from smaller toucanets or aracaris.