Name comes from a channel that runs along the length of the beak. The beak is long and curves downwards which ends in a hook tip. The culmen (ridge along the top of the beak) is pinched so forms a deep channel both sides along the length of the beak.

Has a large colourful band and the base of the beak (where it joins head) of yellow or yellow/blue only other toucan to have a bright basal band is the White Throated Toucan all others are black basal bands.

"Bows" when calling, waggles tail then drops head then raises head as it calls.

Opening to nests are usually very small Measurements have included 6 x 6.35 cm and 6.5 x 5.7cm nest cavity is isially 30 - 45cm deep.

Eggs hatch after 18days.

Toucans are split into two groups yelpers and croakers. Channel bills are croakers!

There are 4 sub species of the Channel bill toucan: R.v.vitellinus (Channel bill toucan), R.v. citreolaemus (Citron throated Toucan), R.v. culminatus (Yellow ridged Toucan), R.v.ariel (Ariel Toucan).

http://macaulaylibrary.org/audio/120847/autoplay