However, the timing of their nesting differs from region to region. Weight: They are sexually dimorphic, with males being slightly heavier than females. However, in captivity, their lifespan decreases to about 18 years. The mascot of Kellogg’s Fruit Loops called ‘Toucan Sam’ has been designed after the toco toucan bird. Their beak is the largest relative to body size of any bird. The bright pigmentation of their bill can help them successfully camouflage in the forest. It is also enlisted in BirdLife International’s ‘Least Concern’ list. The nests, which they usually acquire from other species of birds like woodpeckers, are also hollowed and modified by the toco parents to make them spacious before breeding. Downloaded on 22 April 2020. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/birds/t/toco-toucan/. The toco toucans vocalizations sounds like the croaking of a frog. These toucans have wings measuring 50-119cm (20-47in). These Toucans build their nests seasonally. Unlike other birds, the toucan’s beak is actually rather soft, so much so that they are unable to use it for conventional methods like fighting or digging. More the blood flows, more heat is released, which is how these birds can also keep their body warm by tucking their beak on its back feathers. Accessed April 21, 2020 at https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Ramphastos_toco/. Indigenous peoples regard the bird with a sacred eye; they are traditionally seen as conduits between the worlds of the living and the spirits. The range age of sexual or reproductive maturity in both the male and the female is 3 to 4 years. Maryland Zoo Chimpanzee is Ready to Receive Her Name, Taronga Zoo Sydney Rescues Echidna After 4m Drop, Monarto Safari Park Celebrates Bumper Week of Birthdays. Their exact purpose isn't clear, though they're believed to play a role in the courthship ritual and in self-defense. Both members of the pair will sit on the nest till hatching occurs 17-18 days later. Their bill accounts for almost one-twentieth of their total body mass. The birds would clack their bills as a kind of auditory communication with each other. On the throat there is a patch of white plumage. The eye is a black ball surrounded by a thin patch of skin which appears blue. Additionally, the anatomy is such that, the beak can incorporate several air pockets that allow for a very low mass. These birds express by various means of repeated sound production, which are deep and coarse, but are quite consistent. The Tocos have bills with vibrant colors which help them camouflage in the dense forest. However, in captivity, their lifespan decreases to about 18 years. This is almost a third of the total length of the bird. Young toucans can be observed with the bill under their wings. The average life expectancy of a toucan is a very impressive 20 years. The beak houses a long, flat, feather-like tongue of the same length (six inches), which helps the toucan catch insects. The Tocos mostly dwell high above on top of the trees in the biome of the rainforests. 2020. https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Ramphastos_toco/, https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-1.RLTS.T22682164A113557535.en, https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/birds/t/toco-toucan/. The strong feet and toes of these birds, with two toes pointing forward and two pointing backward, are much adapted to support their weight. In its native region, the tocos are connected to be demon incarnated, and are connected with the evil spirits. Generally, they lay a clutch of two to five eggs every year. All rights reserved. The toco toucan is an omnivore. The toco toucan birds have been carved into many South American tribal totem poles as an incarnation to fly to the spirit world. Young toucans do not have a large bill at birth—it grows as they develop and does not become full size for several months. This is a trait that has probably kept them far from being endangered. This is believed to be as heat control does not develop till later in life. They can also perceive their environment using chemical, tactile, and visual stimuli. BirdLife International 2017. © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, © 2015- The toco toucans are extremely gregarious and social, spending most of the time in pairs or flocks consisting of around six members. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-1.RLTS.T22682164A113557535.en. They live on a diet of fruit, insects, eggs, lizards, young birds, berries and nuts. They can be found throughout the majority of this continent as well as Central America and some Caribbean islands. The birds have a loud, husky call and communicate very loudly. The size and shape of the bills have also made it easier for them to catch their prey and also to peel and pluck fruits. The Toco Toucan (pronunciation: toko too-kun or, toko ‘too,kan) is a South American bird famous for its enormous, colorful beak, and flaunts the largest bill with respect to body size of all birds. "Ramphastos toco" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Join Our Mailing List to Get Daily Animal Profiles & Animal News Delivered to Your Mailbox. Toco toucans come from South America. [online] Available at: [Accessed 22 April 2020]. This bill is around 19cm (7.5in) in size and is comprised of keratin (the same substance as human hair) which makes it very light. They measure between 55 and 65cm (22-26inch). They are not very skilled fliers and would often hop or walk across the tree branches to reach the places where their foods are. The channel-billed toucan has a lifespan of around 20 years. The undertail-covert is red. Breeding for the toco toucan varies throughout its range. Toco toucans feed either individually or in small flocks in the canopy. https://seaworld.org/Animal-Info/Animal-Bytes/Birds/Toco-Toucan, http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/toco_toucan.htm, Your email address will not be published. Occasionally they will be found of groups of 6-7. The nest is normally built in a tree but some have been recorded in earth banks and termite mounds. The toco toucan is not a threatened species. Toco Toucan | National Geographic. All rights reserved. Toucans are normally solitary especially when they are feeding. It takes at least 3 months for the chicks to reach adult size. The tail chord measures to 22–26 cm (8.7–10.2 inches). The toco toucan is an omnivore. They take turns cleaning each other’s body using their bills. They measure between 55 and 65cm (22-26inch). These toucans have wings measuring 50-119cm (20-47in). The toco toucan, the largest and best-known toucan species, is at home in South America's tropical forests. Courtship involves the male and female tossing fruit between each other. The toco toucan is the largest toucan species. Thus, they are able to reach out to such foods that can be out of reach to other smaller species. Smaller birds have shorter lifespans. The bill is useful as a feeding tool. These birds are monogamous and breed only once a year, with the breeding season occurring in the spring. The eggs are incubated for 16-20 days by both the father and the mother toucans. The eggs of this species are taken by weasels, snakes and rats. Blood flow to this area can be regulated which controls the heat of the body. As a weapon, however, the bill is more show than substance. The species' overall numbers, however, are declining. The young ones are born with a dull color, and with a much smaller beak that grows along with their physical development. After a successful courtship ritual, the male bird engages in sexual intercourse with the female.