This bird is like a living jewel hidden in the misty mountains of South America. Found mainly in the cloud forests of Colombia, Ecuador, and northern Peru, this gorgeous bird stands out with its mix of soft grey, rich chestnut, bright blue, and splashes of yellow and red. Its thick, multicolored bill looks almost like a painted masterpiece, making it one of the most striking members of the toucan family. Despite all that bold color, spotting a grey-breasted mountain toucan is a rare treat — they live in high, remote forests where clouds swirl through the trees and the air is cool and crisp.

One of the coolest things about the grey-breasted mountain toucan is its lifestyle among the clouds. These birds are perfectly adapted to life at high elevations, often between 2,000 and 3,500 meters (about 6,500–11,500 feet) above sea level. They love the thick, mossy forests where fruit is abundant, and they spend much of their time hopping through the canopy, searching for berries and small fruits. Their big bills aren’t just for show — they help reach far-off fruits and even allow them to pluck food without leaving the safety of a high branch.

Grey-breasted mountain toucans are social birds, often traveling in small groups or loose family flocks. Their calls are loud and croaky — kind of like a mix between a barking dog and a frog — perfect for keeping track of each other in the foggy, dense forests. They’re also cavity nesters, raising their young in natural tree holes. Both parents share in the job of feeding their chicks, making sure the next generation of mountain toucans grows up strong and colorful. Despite their playful, clownish looks, these toucans are surprisingly shy, often disappearing into the greenery the moment they feel watched.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Colombia

2023

Ecuador

2023

Peru

2023