Plate billed Mountain Toucan
Andigena laminirostris
Mountains
The Plate billed Mountain toucan is found in the Andean cloud forest in northwestern Ecuador and southwestern Colombia. It has a striking appearance with blue underparts, a coppery back, a black crown and nape, red undertail coverts, and a yellow crescent below the eye. The yellow “plate” on its bill is its most distinctive feature, which is not present on juvenile birds. This toucan is unique to its range, and it’s usually seen in pairs or small groups moving through the forest canopy. Its song is a far-reaching, metallic wail that is repeated every few seconds and is preceded by a bill rattle.
This species can be observed during our bird photography trips in Chocó Andino in Ecuador.
