ABOUT US
TOUCANS
The name of this bird group is derived from the Tupi word tukana, via Portuguese The Toco toucan is found in South America's tropical forests but recognized everywhere. The toucan's oversized, colorful bill has made it one of the world's most popular birds. The 7.5-inch-long (19-centimeter-long) bill may be seen as a desirable mating trait
Physical description Measuring 63.5 cm (25 in.) in length, the toco toucan
is the largest of all toucans.
Its black body and white throat are overshadowed by
its most recognizable trait: a large colorful beak.
The bright orange beak is about 19 cm (8 in.) long –
one third of the bird’s total length.
Composed of the protein keratin, the structure of
beak incorporates many air pockets allowing for a very low mass.
HABITAT ď‚— Toucans are native to Southern Mexico, Central
America, the northern portion of South America, and the Caribbean region.
ď‚— They generally live in tropical and sub-tropical
regions.
DIET In addition to fruit, Toco toucans eat insect sometimes, young birds, eggs,lizards.
FEATURES Toco toucans live in small flocks of about six birds.
Toucans regulate body temperature by adjusting the flow of blood to their beak.
When toucans sleep, they tuck their beak under their feathers to keep them warm.
Toco toucans also use their beaks to pluck and peel fruit, their main source of food.
Although they spend a lot of time in trees, they are not very good at flying.
BREEDING
Several toucans live together in a single hollow. It is in these hollows that they lay their eggs, generally two to four a year. Both parents incubate the eggs for 16-20 days. Once the chicks hatch, both parents continue to care for the young. Baby toucans are not born with an excessively large beak; the beak grows as the birds develop.
WITH HUMANS These iconic birds are very popular pets, and many are
captured to supply demand for this trade.
They are also familiar commercial mascots known for
hawking stout, cereal, and other products.
Indigenous peoples regard the bird with a more
sacred eye; they are traditionally seen as conduits between the worlds of the living and the spirits.