Toucans are Neotropical birds that are known for their large, colourful beaks.
The word “toucan” comes from the sound that this unique bird makes. Often creating a sound resembling a croaking frog, toucans are known to bark, croak, growl and bray and they also tap and clatter their bills.
The beak of a toucan can be over 7 inches long and accounts for approximately 40% of the bird’s total body surface area. Their bills are surprisingly light and are comprised of keratin and thin rods of supporting bone.
Toucans are monomorphic, meaning that the males and females of each species look the same (around 50% of all bird species worldwide are monomorphic).
What do they eat?
Toucans are omnivores so eat a variety of different foods. They use their beaks to pick and peel fruit and they also consume lizards, rodents, small birds, and insects.
Toucans are vital for rainforest health. They eat seeds which then pass through their digestive systems and return to the earth so that plants and trees can grow anew from the forest floor. This helps native rainforest plant populations to thrive in their presence.
Are toucans endangered?
There are 50 species of toucan, 11 of which are near threatened or globally threatened with extinction.
The population of toucans is rapidly declining.
They are hunted for the pet trade; their high intelligence and colourful plumage making them desirable human companions.
Habitat loss is the largest threat toucans are facing. The rainforests they call home are being destroyed for human infrastructure and farmland.
The toucan is another animal to which we are the greatest threat. We need to preserve the habitat of these beautiful creatures before it’s too late.
