The Chestnut Mandibled Toucan (Ramphastos swainsonii) is more commonly known as the Swainson's Toucan in avian cultural circles in the U.S., but more properly called the Chestnut Mandible, which is the largest toucan in Central America and tied for second place in size with the Red Bill. It is only slightly smaller than the Toco, most noticeably in the size of the beak. Swainson's range from Central Honduras south to Colombia and are commonly seen in Nicaragua and Costa Rica, especially in the southwestern part in the Osa Peninsula and surrounding areas. Swainson's were first bred in captivity in the U.S. in 1989 by Jerry Jennings. The nest in large tree hollows, usually where a branch has broken away and the heartwood has subsequently rotted away creating a cavity. They lay 3-4 elliptical white eggs which hatch after 16 days incubation. Young fledge the nest at 46-50 days and are weaned a couple weeks thereafter. In captivity, breeding successes are sporadic and they require a hollow log in which they will lay their eggs and hatch their young. Quite a few Swainson's have been imported from Nicaragua into the U.S. from 1994 until the very beginning of 2006 when Nicaragua close off their export and they are the most commonly available of all the large toucans. Swainson's make excellent pets and are almost as great a pet as the Toco, whose intelligence they nearly match. They can be taught numerous tricks including catch, somersaults, and they can be potty trained. Emerald Forest Bird Gardens presently maintains 15 breeding pairs and raises a number every year. Swainson's are not listed on CITES.

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