Quick Answer
The answer to the crossword clue “What bird is the national emblem of Belize” is toucan. The toucan is the national bird and emblem of Belize.
More Detailed Answer
Belize is a small Central American country located on the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. It borders Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the south and west, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. Belize has a diverse culture and history, with Mayan, Spanish, British, African, and Creole influences.
Belize achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1981, but remains part of the Commonwealth realm. As an independent nation, Belize adopted several national symbols, including an emblem to represent the country.
The national emblem of Belize features a keel-billed toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus) sitting on a tree trunk. This colorful, vibrant bird was selected to adorn the Belizean emblem due to its significance and importance to the country.
Why the Toucan was Chosen
There are a few key reasons why the keel-billed toucan was designated as the national emblem of Belize:
- The toucan is native to Belize and found throughout the dense forests of the country.
- It is one of the most recognizable and iconic birds found in Belize.
- The toucan represents the biodiversity of Belize and its lush natural environment.
- Its vibrant, multicolored bill is eye-catching and distinctive.
- The toucan symbolizes freedom, strength, and unity for the Belizean people.
Belize takes great pride in its ecological diversity, with over 500 species of birds identified in the country so far. The toucan epitomizes the tropical beauty and rainforests that define much of Belize.
By selecting such an original, characterful bird as its national emblem, Belize made a statement about its national identity and connection to the natural world. The keel-billed toucan is not found on any other country’s coat of arms, making it a truly unique symbol for Belize.
Physical Description
The keel-billed toucan is an unmistakable bird due to its huge, colorful bill which measures around 12-15 cm long. Its plumage is mostly black, with a bright yellow bib under its neck and chest. The tail feathers are red, and the undertail is white.
As the name suggests, the massive bill has a ridge or “keel” running along the top which is yellow on younger birds and evolves to a blue-green shade in mature adults. The tip of the bill often appears red or orange. Overall, the bill accounts for about one-third of the bird’s entire length.
Other distinctive features include bright white patches around the bird’s eyes, blue skin around the eyes, and gray legs. Keel-billed toucans measure around 42-55 cm long and weigh 380-680 grams.
Habitat and Behavior
The keel-billed toucan resides in tropical lowland rainforests, up to elevations of 1200 m. They prefer forests with plenty of fruit trees, their main food source.
Toucans are social, noisy birds that live in small flocks of 3 to 12 individuals. Their call is a loud, croaking “rak-rak-rak” which carries through the forest. Toucans are weak fliers, instead preferring to hop and climb through trees using their strong feet and tails.
Toucans nest in holes of trees, where they lay 2-4 white eggs. Both parents share incubation and feeding of the hatchlings. Young toucans originally have short, dull-colored bills which don’t full develop until 2-4 months.
Significance as the National Bird
The keel-billed toucan was officially adopted as the national emblem of Belize in 1971, 10 years prior to independence. Depictions of the toucan adorn the Belizean flag, coat of arms, money, and postage stamps.
By selecting this tropical bird as a key national symbol, Belize recognized the toucan’s strong connections to the country and its rainforest ecosystems. Valuing biodiversity and wildlife conservation has become an important part of Belize’s national identity.
The toucan population in Belize is fortunately not currently considered threatened or endangered. However, habitat loss remains a concern for the long-term survivability of toucans. Deforestation, urbanization, agriculture, logging, and fires all degrade and fragment the bird’s rainforest homes.
Maintaining healthy toucan populations in Belize will be dependent on successful environmental policies and sustainable development. The Belizean government has designated several protected areas and reserves which provide sanctuary for toucans and other wildlife.
Having the instantly recognizable toucan as its national emblem boosts public awareness and appreciation for environmental protection in Belize. The country takes pride in having such a beautiful, exotic bird representing its national spirit. For visitors to Belize, spotting a keel-billed toucan in the wild is a highly sought-after experience.
Key Facts
Scientific Name | Ramphastos sulfuratus |
Other Common Names | Rainbow-billed toucan, sulfur-breasted toucan |
Range | Mexico, Central America, Colombia, Venezuela |
Habitat | Lowland tropical rainforests |
Length | 42-55 cm |
Weight | 380-680 g |
Wingspan | 50-60 cm |
Population Status | Not globally threatened |
Conclusion
In summary, the national emblem of Belize is the vibrant, colorful keel-billed toucan. This exotic bird represents Belize’s rainforests and biodiversity, and is a symbol of pride and independence for the country. Spotting a toucan in the wild is a highlight for many visitors to Belize. By adopting the toucan, Belize has signified the importance of environmental conservation as part of its national identity. Maintaining healthy toucan populations will rely on effective policies to protect their rainforest habitat in the face of deforestation and climate change.