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[[Image:HoodedMtnToucan.JPG]]

'''Common Name:''' Hooded Mountain-Toucan<br>
'''Scientific Name:''' Andigena cucullata   

'''Size:''' 22 - 26 inches (55-65 cm)

'''Habitat:''' South America; Bolivia and Peru. It is found in humid epiphyte-laden cloud forests on the east side of the high Andes of Bolivia and far southern Peru.

'''Status:''' Least Concern. '''Global Population:''' Unknown mature individuals. The population trend appears to be stable.

'''Diet:''' Fruits, insects, frogs, lizards and bird eggs.

'''Nesting:'''  Males slightly larger than females. It has a long, greenish yellow bill that is black tipped with an oval black spot near the base of the lower bill. The head is dark blue in color, except for the bare skin around the eyes and thin blue partial collar on the nape. 

The back is rich chestnut fading to green and yellow. The plumage below is a darker green to black with a chestnut vent.

It nests in tree cavities; high in the canopy.  The entrance hole is preferred to be only large enough for a bird to fit through. This cavity may also be used for several years.  Bill fencing is thought to be a courtship ritual as is fruit-throwing to one another. Two to four, white eggs are laid.  Both parents share in the incubation which lasts 16-20 days. The chicks hatch blind and naked and have specialized heel pads that protect the chicks against the rough texture of the cavity floor. The young are cared for by both parents and fledge at around 6-10 weeks.  Additional clutches may follow.

'''Cool Facts:''' Mountain Toucans are extremely shy birds.