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The Toucan: Symbol of the Tropical Rainforests

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Discover the beauty and characteristics of the Toucan, a tropical bird known for its distinctive beak and colorful plumage. Don't support the illegal trade in exotic birds!

tree holes

The exuberant beak and color of the Toucan give it away and make it the target of illegal trade.

Toucans are tropical birds of the Ramphastidae family native to the tropical jungles and humid forests of Central and South America and the Caribbean.

Popularized by movies and in cereal boxes, there is more than one type of Toucan.

Their size varies by species, there are about 40 different species of Toucans.

The smallest is the letter aracari (Pteroglossus inus), weighing about 130 grams (4.6 ounces) and measuring about 29 centimeters (11.5 inches) long.

The largest is the Toco Toucan (Ramphastos toco), weighing approximately 680 grams (1,5 pounds) and measuring approximately 63 centimeters (29 inches) long.

The tail is rounded and varies in length, from half the length to the full length of the body. The neck is short and thick. The wings are small, as they are forest-dwelling birds that only need to travel short distances.

Almost the entire body of the Toucan is covered with black feathers (except the throat, which is covered with white or yellow feathers) that serve as camouflage in the environment around it.

The distinctive peak. What is it for?

The beak color can be black, blue, brown, green, red, white, yellow, or a combination of colors.

Like the Rhinoceros hornbill, their large beak helps them stay cool in the warm environment in which they live. This adaptation is one of the best heat regulation systems in the entire animal kingdom. Beak arteries expand when the bird warms up; dissipating body heat.

Despite its substantial size, the beak weighs less than you might think. Composed of the protein keratin (from which our hair and nails are made), the structure of the beak incorporates many air pockets that allow a very low mass.

Like the Macaws, they are extremely noisy in the late afternoon when other birds become inactive.

Their songs often resemble tropical frogs croaking. Toucans combine their extensive vocal calls with blows and noises from their beaks.

Many species of Toucans make barking, squawking and grunting sounds, and Mountain Toucans make braying sounds like a donkey.

Toucans are generally found in pairs or small flocks.

Toucans are omnivorous birds. In addition to fruit, the Toucan eats berries, seeds, eggs, insects, and small reptiles.

Life is not all fruit and game for Toucanes; because they live in suspense pending their natural predators, among which are other birds such as eagles, hawks and forest owls; and other animals like good, jaguars, margays and weasels, which often invade their nests.

To protect themselves, they rely on their loud voices to chase away enemies and alert other Toucans to danger.

Although most Toucans live in groups, they are believed to be monogamous, at least during the breeding season and during the rearing of the chicks in the spring.

The Toucans build their nest in tree holes, created by other animals such as woodpeckers; usually in the rainforest canopy.

The Toucan, unfortunately for this same color and exuberance, is one of the exotic birds that is usually hunted for illegal trade; being removed from their natural habitat and placed in Danger of extinction.

Toucans have a life expectancy of up to 20 years in the wild. In captivity there is a record of some that have lived to be 26 years old.

Do not support the illegal trade in exotic birds. Report to the merchants who are the main predators of these beautiful tropical birds.

Frequently asked questions from our readers:

The toucan plays an important role in the conservation of rainforests by being a seed disperser. By eating fruits and then expelling the seeds in different places, it contributes to the regeneration of vegetation and the maintenance of biodiversity in these ecosystems. Read more here: https://www.equilibriumx.com/ecoturismo-y-conservacion/el-tucan-simbolo-de-las-selvas-tropicales
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Last modified: March 22, 2024