Six Facts About Toucans

Toucan Facts

Six Facts About Toucans

1. Habitat

Toucans live in the jungles of South America and Central America

and live together in small-sized groups of about five or six birds.

They sleep in holes in trees.

2. Diet

Toucans eat plants and animal foods. Their diet consists of:

Bird eggs

 Insects

 Fruit

 Reptiles

 Rodents

 Other birds

3. Weight and Height

A full-grown toucan weighs less than 400 grams. Full grown

toucans are slightly less than 60 cm. long. From top to tail they are

about 50 cm.

4. The Unique Toucan Bill

Toucans have big bills. They have larger bills, in proportion to the

size of their body, than any other birds. Toucans' bills average

about 20 cm in length. The toucan's bill is so large because it

helps to keep the bird cool in the warm climates where it lives.

They don´t sweat so, they need their bills for air conditioning.

Toucans' bills are not solid. Instead, their structure is similar to a

honeycomb, making the bills extremely light. Because toucans'

bills are so light in weight, they can't be used for digging or

fighting. The large bill allows them to sit in one spot and reach for

food, which is a good thing since toucans don't like to move

around much. They make use their bills for digging into holes in

trees and logs to grab. Toucans also can use their bills for

camouflage.

Baby toucans are not born with large beaks It takes several

months for their beaks to reach full size.

5. Claws

Toucans have four claws. Two on the front and two on the back,

which allow them to cling to branches and balance on trees.

6. Toucan Predators

Jaguars and other big cats are natural predators of the toucan.

Scientists have learned quite a lot about toucans or the

Ramphastos sulfuratus, their scientific name. These noisy birds

can live a long time. Their life span is up to 20 years.

Some other fun facts about the toucan are:

 There are about 40 different species of toucans.

 The most widely-recognized toucan is the Toco Toucan,

which has a long, orange bill.

 Female toucans lay two to four eggs every year.

 Some people keep toucans as pets. These birds can make

a great addition to the right homes.

 Because these birds are so recognizable, they are popular

mascots for products like Fruit Loops cereal.

 Native populations in South America believe that toucans

are able to provide a spiritual connection between the dead

and the living.

Toucans are fascinating creatures!

Now a days Toucans are in

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