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Life in the Forest

Life in the River

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Toucan

Toucans are among the most recognisable of all birds. Their big colorful beaks give them an almost comical appearance. And their loud screeching and strange habits such as tossing food into the air then flying up to catch it, accentuate their reputation clowns. They are almost symbolic of the tropical Americas, and are found in an area ranging from Mexico to Argentina – including the Amazon rainforest. There are 42 species of toucan, measuring from 18 to 76 centimetre (7 to 30 inches) long. They live together in pairs or small flocks.

The toucan's beak is enormous, and its easy to think that it would impede the toucan's ability to fly. But the beak is very light, so that flying really isn't a problem at all. Unfortunately, the lightness of the beak also means that they are quite fragile and easily damaged.

As well as being loud, toucans are also very lively. Their beaks aren't used for fighting – though they will occasionally use it for biting animals that they don't like. An animal unlucky enough to be on the receiving end of a toucan's bite will find it very sharp and unpleasant. However, toucans are intellingent, and are quite easy to train and keep as pets. Visitors to South America may sometimes encounter pet toucans kept in parks and in zoos. Some will even pose with tourists for photographs.

Back in the wild, toucans build nests in small holes in the trunks of trees. If the hole isn't big enough already, they will continue pecking to enlarge it until it is finally just big enough. The holes have to be quite deep in order to accommodate the toucan's large beak – though, once in the nest, it keeps its beak hidden beneath its wings. They can hop from branch to branch with ease, and are accomplished fliers although they're unable able to travel long distances. Toucans eat a mixed diet, including fruit, insects, small lizards and frogs, and even other baby birds.

Among the Amazon Indians, toucans were hunted for their bright feathers which were used for making trinkets, as well as for their meat. The beak and tongue were considered by some tribes to be effective as a cure for a broken heart (though it wasn't so good for the toucan).