 Taking photos of wildlife in their natural habitat doesn't always result in the 'perfect picture'.
This had never bothered me at all. Waiting for the right moment when the subject and the lights are in harmony. For me it is all about the moment. When I spotted this Red-billed Toucan, it was a bit far and almost hidden between all the branches and leaves of this tree. This Toucan was also sitting quiet and was barely moving. It was that its chest was so immaculate white that it stood out. Red-billed Toucans are also known as White-throated Toucans. It is not always clear to see that this bird has a red bill. They are the most common toucans found in the interior of Suriname. Sometimes they are spotted in small groups, as a pair or sometimes alone (like this one for instance).  Toucans are one of the recognizable birds in the Amazon. In Kabalebo the Red-billed Toucan is seen on a daily basis. Whether you are in a boat or on a hiking trail, even when you are close to the lodge, they are always present. For me they are also beautiful colorful and fascinating birds, but even beautiful birds have a 'dark side'.
 When you think of the undisturbed Amazon, you often associate it with exotic birds. Colorful and loud birds that is. Toucans can be seen as one of them; colorful, agile and loud. Here in Kabalebo we have 2 different toucans: the Channel-billed (left) and the Red-billed toucan (right). At first glance they look similar to each other. So it often occurs that these two can be easily mixed up or it can sometimes be confusing to tell them apart. Here are some simple clues to know them a bit better …..
 Channel-billed Toucans (Ramphastos vitellinus) are just like the Red-billed Toucans very common in Kabalebo. But unlike the Red-billed, the Channel-billed is less frequently seen out in the open.
 The Red-billed Toucan or White-throated Toucan is also a frequently seen bird in Kabalebo. Diurnal animals (active during the day) that are either spotted individually, in pairs or in small groups. Their diet: fruits (papaja/mango), berries (podosiri/kumbu), insects, nestlings, frogs and lizards. I have witnessed countless times how tanagers or flycatchers bravely tried to chase them away from their chicks. Red-billed Toucans are arboreal birds that are also agile and noisy birds. During the mornings and late afternoons they 'treat' you with their 'serenade' call. A call that I can best describe as a puppy calling, stuck high up in a tree. I was able to record their 'serenade' call. Enjoy!   |
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