Geophagy in an Upper‐Forest Frugivore, the Toco Toucan

ABSTRACT Geophagy (soil ingestion) is a widespread behaviour among vertebrates, commonly associated with detoxification, mineral supplementation, and digestive aid. While well documented in frugivorous–granivorous birds, such as canopy‐foraging parrots, it is considered rare and poorly understood among other upper‐forest foraging birds, such as toucans (Ramphastidae). Here, I report the first formally documented instance of geophagy in the Toco Toucan ( Ramphastos toco )—only the second for the family—observed in a highly modified agricultural landscape in Brazil. An adult was seen descending from the upper forest to the ground at the edge of a dirt road that borders a sugarcane plantation and is adjacent to a riparian forest strip. There, it repeatedly ingested soil before flying off with a clump in its bill. The surrounding environment featured fertilised soils and exotic fruiting and flowering plants that are included in the toucan's diet and are known to produce toxic secondary metabolites. Although based on a single opportunistic observation, the behaviour is consistent with potential functions of avian geophagy, such as detoxification and dietary supplementation, potentially relevant during breeding. In addition to a previous record in another ramphastid species, photographs available through a citizen science platform suggest that similar behaviour may occur more regularly. These findings highlight the need for further investigation into the occurrence and function of soil ingestion in upper‐forest frugivores.