The toucan is a tropical bird best known for its large, colorful beak. There are 40 different species of toucans that are widely distributed in Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. Toucans can survive in different habitats (lowland forests, savannas, bushland), but they prefer life in tropical rainforests.. Illegal pet trade is the greatest threat for the survival of toucans in the wild. Luckily, population of toucans is still large and stable and these birds are not on the list of endangered species.
The toucan is native to the rainforests of America and the Caribbean.
Toucans vary in size, depending on the species. Large species of toucans can reach 25 inches in length and 24 ounces of weight.
The toco toucan is the largest and probably the best known species in the toucan family.
Almost entire body of toucan is covered with black feathers (except the throat, which is covered with white or yellow feathers). Color of the feathers provides camouflage.
One of the oldest toucans lived 26 years old.
Both males and females have large, brightly colored bills that can reach 8 inches in length.
The smallest toucans is named as aracari.
Despite its large size, bill has low mass because it is made of keratin (same substance that builds hair and nails of mammals). Also, bill has numerous air pockets which additionally decrease its weight.
The entire body of toucan is covered with black feathers.
Toucan can regulate body temperature using its bill. Increased circulation of blood through the bill helps in elimination of excess body heat.
Toucans have sharp and strong claws which permit them to hold tightly onto branches.
Bill has several purposes. It is used for gathering and peeling of the fruit, for intimidation of the predators and for attracting mating partners (length of the bill plays role in the selection of the mating partners).
Toucan’s large bill helps them keep cool in the hot environment. The Toucans bill releases heat.
Toucan has long tongue (same length as the bill). Tongue is mostly used as an organ of taste, but it also helps in catching of the insects.
The bill of Toucans is big and may look heavy but it is actually extremely light.
Toucan is an omnivore (animal which eats other animals and plants). Its diet is mainly based on fruit.
Besides fruit, toucan eats berries, seeds, eggs and insects.
Toucans are noisy in the late afternoon.
Toucans spend most of their life high in the treetops. Sharp claws and curved toes ensure stability on the branches. When bird needs to change the location, it will jump from one branch to another.
Toucans are usually found in small flocks.
Toucans have short wings and they don’t like to fly. When they need to leave the safety of trees, they will glide through the air and travel small distances.
The rainbow-billed toucan is the national bird of Belize.
Toucans live in small groups (called flocks) composed of up to 6 birds. They inhabit holes in the trees and abandoned nests of woodpeckers.
Toucan’s predators are large birds, wild cats, and human beings.
Toucans occasionally wrestle using their bills. Winner of the battle ensures dominance and better position in the group.
Fruit Loops mascot is actually a Toucan.
Toucans mate once per year. Female lays 2 to 4 eggs in the nest in the tree. Both parents participate in the incubation of the eggs which lasts 16 to 20 days. Parental care continues after hatching of the birds.
Toucan babies don’t have big bills.
Baby toucans are naked at birth. Bill is small and it grows along with the bird.
Toucans are born blind.
Toucans can survive up to 20 years in the wild.
