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Toco Toucan


Toco Toucan
Photo Information
Copyright: Peter van Zoest (PeterZ) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2398 W: 94 N: 5543] (17640)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2007-08-03
Categories: Birds
Camera: Nikon D70, AF Nikkor 70-300mm f4-5.6 G, Digital RAW
Exposure: f/5.6, 1/30 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): Birds of World [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2007-10-13 3:26
Viewed: 2888
Points: 30
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
A typical bird in the Pantanal is the Toco Toucan(Ramphastos toco). Regular I saw them flying in a great distance. One time they were close enough to make pictures of them, but that was in a tree with sharp sunlight and dark shadows. So when I saw this bird in the Iguazu Birdpark I took my change.

The Toco Toucan is the largest and arguably best known species in the toucan family. It is found in semi-open habitats throughout a large part of central and eastern South America.

Description
The Toco Toucan has a striking plumage with a mainly black body, a white throat, chest and uppertail-coverts, and red undertail-coverts. The iris is blue and surrounded by a ring of bare, orange skin. The most noticeable feature, however, is its huge bill, which is yellow-orange, tending to deeper reddish-orange on its lower sections and culmen, and with a black base and large spot on the tip. It looks heavy, but as in other toucans it is relatively light because the inside largely is hollow. The tongue is nearly as long as the bill and very flat. With a total length of 55-65 cm , incl. a bill that measure almost 20 cm, and a weigh of 500-850 g , it is the largest species of toucan. Males are larger than females, but otherwise the sexes are alike. Juveniles are duller and shorter-billed than adults. Its voice consists of a deep, coarse croaking, often repeated every few seconds. Also has a rattling call and will bill-clack.
Distribution
It occurs in northern and eastern Bolivia, extreme south-eastern Peru, northern Argentina, eastern and central Paraguay, eastern and parts of southern Brazil. Other disjunctive populations occur along the lower Amazon River (Ilha de Marajo east approximately to the Madeira River), far northern Brazil in Roraima, and coastal regions of the Guianas. It only penetrates the Amazon in relatively open areas (e.g. along rivers). It is resident, but local movements may occur.
Habitat & Status
It is, unlike the other members of the genus Ramphastos, essentially is a non-forest species. It can be found in a wide range of semi-open habitats such as woodland, savanna and other open habitats with scattered trees, Cerrado, plantations, forest-edge and even wooded gardens. It is mainly a species of lowlands, but occurs up to 1750 m near the Andes in Bolivia. Due to its preference for open habitats it is likely to benefit from the widespread deforestation in tropical South America. It has a large range and except in the outer regions of its range, it typically is fairly common. It is therefore considered to be of Least Concern by BirdLife International. It is easily seen in the Pantanal.
Behavior
The Toco Toucan eats mainly fruit (e.g. figs and Passiflora edulis) using its bill to pluck them from trees, but also insects, and nestlings and eggs of birds. Has been known to capture and eat small adult birds in captivity. The long bill is useful for reaching things that otherwise would be out-of-reach. It is also used to skin fruit and scare off predators. It is typically seen in pairs or small family-groups. In flight it alternates between a burst of rapid flaps with the relatively short, rounded wings and gliding. Nesting is seasonal, but timing differ between regions. The nest is typically placed high in a tree and consists of a cavity; at least part of which is excavated by the parent birds themselves. It has also been recorded nesting in holes in earth-bank and terrestrial termite-nest. Their reproduction cycle is annual. The female usually lays two to four eggs a few days after mating. The eggs are incubated by both sexes and hatch after 17-18 days. These birds are very protective of themselves and of their babies.
Source: mostly: Wikipedia
pablominto, Tamrock, nglen, jaycee, Silvio2006, ellis49, scottevers7 has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

Hi Peter,

I apologise for my long absence. The hectic pace of life leaves one little time for relaxation and hobbies.

Such a pretty subject. I like the composition and the pose. Well done.

Jan-Hendrik

Hello Peter,
These guys are well visible in the landscape, whereever they are!
This guy gives a fine pose, showing his best side for the camera...
The presentation is well composed, but a tiny OE on the beak!
Greetings,
Pablo -

hi peter!
cool bird!
little hard light on the beak
but a sharp and fine picture
good composition and a fine
exposure!
well done!

  • Great 
  • EOSF1 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1381 W: 126 N: 5246] (23469)
  • [2007-10-13 8:54]

Hello Peter, nice bird ! Great composition, sharp image and good colors ! A bit of OE in the high lights but it's still a good shot ! Thanks !

Mario

  • Great 
  • nglen Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2916 W: 34 N: 8651] (32250)
  • [2007-10-13 9:46]

Hi Peter. Have never seen one in the wild so lucky you. you have captured it with good detail and colours. .with a nice poseon the tree trunk. as you say the light was not at its best so you have done well. good notes too.
Tfs. Nick..

  • Great 
  • jaycee Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2493 W: 11 N: 6885] (21912)
  • [2007-10-13 10:23]

Hi Peter,

I have only seen these in the Aviarys at zoos. Beautiful shot of this Toucan with the huge beak and the lovely black and white plummage. Wonderful details on the wings.

Jane

Hi Peter, splendid tucano with wonderful colors and great details, very well done, ciao Silvio

Hi Peter,
Oh one of my favorite birds going in my theme okay? I love the pose with him looking at you over his shoulder. Beautiful color. TFS
Donna:o)

  • Great 
  • arfer Gold Star Critiquer [C: 2731 W: 0 N: 0] (0)
  • [2007-10-13 20:10]

Hello Peter

This is a wonderful capture of this beautiful toucan.The focus is very good with excellent detail.The bill is very impressive.The colours are natural and well saturated.Fantastic plumage detail.TFS

Rob

Hi Peter,
the tuocan is a beautiful bird with his big beak and you have captured well.
It must have been bad light condition since you used high ISO, but the details are still there and the sharpness is good and
the exposure as well. Well composed with good POV and lovely clours.
Very well done.

  • Great 
  • Mana Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1899 W: 36 N: 5579] (18518)
  • [2007-10-14 3:07]

Hi Peter,
Just marking this shot for a proper critique later. Hoping that my internet problem will be solved by the evening. Sorry again.
Regards.
Sumon

Hi Peter,
Very good shot on this Toco Toucan. I only get to see these in the zoo, and not in a very suitable habitat for photography. This is well composed and framed. You have captured excellent colors and detail in the bird. Nice camera work here.
Scott

Quels beuax détaill et magnifiques couleurs de cette espèce inconnue ici.
merci
Marie

Hi Peter,
I like very much toucans with especially their colorful bills. This is nice shot with great composition, POV and eye contact. Focus, BG, colors very nice. thanks. best wishes
Ahmet

Hi Peter,
Great capture, nice encounter.
Great portrait of this Toco Toucan.
Great colors and sharpness.
Well done.
Cheers.
Michel

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