Seasonal variation in the predation on avian resources by the Toco Toucan (Ramphastos toco) in Brazil, based on community science data

Dárius  P. Tubelis; Talita M.A Oliveira

doi:10.59517/oc.e571

Authors

Dárius P. Tubelis Departamento de Biociências, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, Campus Mossoró. Mossoró, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9506-9526
Talita M.A Oliveira Departamento de Biociências, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, Campus Mossoró. Mossoró, Brazil

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59517/oc.e571

Keywords:

citizen science, diet, egg, feeding ecology, nestling,

Abstract

Ramphastidae (Piciformes) is a family endemic to the Neotropics, and includes 36 species. Although
they are classified primarily as frugivorous birds, they also feed on invertebrates and small
vertebrates. The objective of this study was to examine the consumption of avian resources by the
Toco Toucan (Ramphastos toco), the most common Ramphastidae in non-Amazonian Brazil. A
search for photographic records of this species was done in April 2022 in WikiAves, the largest
community science database regarding Brazilian birds. A total of 271 photographs had evidence of
feeding activities. Most of them involved non-avian resources (85%), such as fruits, while a minor
portion referred to avian resources (15%). These 42 records involving avian resources were more
numerous in October-December than in other periods of the year. They showed the consumption
of eggs (50%), nestlings (45%), and juvenile or adult birds (5%). These feeding records included
species of the families Tyrannidae, Columbidae and Icteridae, having the Great Kiskadee (Pitangus
sulphuratus) as the most common prey species. On the other hand, records involving non-avian
resources occurred throughout the year. As a result, the proportion of photographs with avian
resources was higher in October-December than in other periods. This relatively high frequency of
avian resources in the diet of the Toco Toucan coincides with their nesting period in Brazil. With our
study, we confirm the usefulness of community science to improve our knowledge regarding the
diet and feeding ecology of Neotropical birds.

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