Toco Toucan
Ramphastos toco
Conservation Status
Least ConcernAves · Piciformes · Ramphastidae
About
The toco toucan is a species of bird in the toucan family Ramphastidae. It is the largest species of toucan and has a distinctive appearance, with a black body, a white throat, chest and uppertail-coverts, and red undertail-coverts. Its most conspicuous feature is its huge beak, which is yellow-orange with a black base and large spot on the tip. It is endemic to South America, where it has a wide distribution from the Guianas south to northern Argentina and Uruguay, and its range has recently been expanding southwards. Unlike other toucans, which inhabit continuous forests, toco toucans inhabit a variety of semi-open habitats at altitudes of up to 1,750 m (5,740 ft). They are especially common in the Brazilian cerrado, gallery forests, and the wetlands of the Pantanal.
Fun Fact
Toco toucans' enormous bills are honeycomb-light yet surprisingly strong, and they function as heat radiators — blood flow to the bill can be adjusted to dump excess body heat, like an elephant's ears.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Tropical forests and savannas
Diet
Frugivore
Lifespan
18-20 years
Threats
- Illegal Logging
- Habitat Fragmentation