Plate-billed Mountain Toucan

This medium-sized mountain-toucan measures approximately 42 to 53 centimeters in total length and weighs between 275 and 355 grams. Its dorsal plumage is characterized by a warm olive-brown tone, while the crown and hindneck are a contrasting glossy black. The underparts feature a striking greyish-blue coloration, accented on the flanks by two prominent bright yellow patches. The thighs are a distinct chestnut-brown or rufous color, and the undertail coverts are bright red. Its most iconic feature is the bill, which is black at the tip and base of the lower mandible, featuring a unique rectangular ivory-yellow plate on the sides of the upper maxilla. The bare skin around the eyes displays a vivid mix of pale blue and yellowish-green, surrounding a deep reddish-brown iris.

Geographical distribution: It is endemic to the humid western slopes of the Andes, restricted to a narrow elevational belt in southwestern Colombia (mainly in the Nariño department) and northwestern Ecuador (with notable populations in the provinces of Carchi, Imbabura, Pichincha, Cotopaxi, and Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas). It is a key representative of the highland Chocó bioregion.

Habitat: This species is strictly tied to primary montane wet forests and cloud forests, typically occurring at altitudes ranging from 1,200 to 3,200 meters above sea level. It spends most of its time in the forest canopy and subcanopy, where trees are heavily covered with epiphytes, mosses, orchids, and bromeliads, requiring high levels of environmental humidity and frequent mist.

Feeding: Primarily frugivorous, its diet relies heavily on the fruits of wild trees, particularly from the families Lauraceae, Cecropiaceae (especially Cecropia catkins), Arecaceae (palm fruits), and Bromeliaceae. It serves as an essential seed disperser for many large-seeded montane plants. To meet its nutritional needs during the breeding cycle, it opportunistically consumes animal protein, including insects, snails, small vertebrates like lizards and frogs, and occasionally the eggs and nestlings of smaller bird species.

Behavior: It is a social and vocal bird, usually observed in pairs or small family groups of three to six individuals traveling through the upper layers of the forest. The species communicates using loud, nasal, repetitive calls resembling a frog-like croak, described as a rhythmic "keerrk" sound that can persist for several minutes. During courtship, birds engage in mutual bill-touching, tail-wagging, and allopreening, often accompanied by ritualized food-sharing between partners.

Nesting: The breeding season primarily spans from March to October, matching the peak fruit abundance in its cloud forest habitat. It utilizes natural tree cavities or abandoned holes excavated by woodpeckers (family Picidae) at heights ranging from 6 to 30 meters above the ground. The clutch consists of two to three white eggs. Both adults participate in incubation, which lasts about 16 days, as well as in brooding and feeding the altricial chicks, which fledge after approximately 45 to 50 days.

Conservation status: It is currently classified as Near Threatened (NT) on the IUCN Red List. Its wild populations are experiencing a steady decline due to habitat loss and fragmentation driven by agricultural expansion, logging, and cattle ranching. Additionally, the species is occasionally targeted by the illegal pet trade due to its attractive plumage, making habitat protection crucial for its long-term survival.