The Life of Animals | Toucan | Toucans range in size from the Lettered Aracari (Pteroglossus inscriptus), at 130 g (4.6 oz) and 29 cm (11.5 inches), to the Toco Toucan (Ramphastos Toco), at 680 g (1.5 lb) and 63 cm (29 inches ). Their bodies are short (of comparable size to a crow's) and compact. The wings are small, as They are forest-dwelling birds WHO only need to travel short distances, and are Often span of about the same as the bill-tip-to-tail-tip measurements of the bird.
The legs of a toucan are strong and rather short. The majority of toucans do not show any sexual dimorphism in Their coloration, the genus Selenidera being the most notable exception to this rule (Hence Their common name, "dichromatic toucanets"). The feathers in the genus containing the largest toucans are Generally black, with touches of white, yellow, and scarlet. The underparts of the araçaris (Smaller toucans) are yellow, crossed by one or more black or red bands.
The colorful and large bill, the which in some large species measures more than half the length of the body, is the hallmark of toucans. The bill has forward-facing serrations resembling teeth, the which led naturalists to believe Historically That toucans captured fish and were the resource persons primarily Carnivorous today it is known That Mostly They eat fruit. Also, the beak allows the bird to reach deep into the tree-holes to access food unavailable to other birds, and also to ransack suspended Nests built by Smaller birds.
A complex structural Probably unique to toucans involves the modification of Several tail vertebrae. Toucans are arboreal and typically lay 2-4 white eggs in Their Nests. They Make Their Nests in tree hollows and holes excavated by other animals Such as woodpeckers-the toucan bill has very limited use as an Excavation tool. Breeders are resident toucans and do not migrate. Toucans are usually found in pairs or small flocks.
Toucans are native to Southern Mexico, Central and South America and the Caribbean region. Toucans are primarily frugivorous (fruit eating), but are opportunistically omnivorous and Will take prey Such as Insects and small lizards. Captive toucans have been reported to actively hunt Insects in Their Cages, and it is possible to keep toucans on an insect-only diet. They also Plunder Nests of Smaller birds, taking eggs and nestlings. Often Pls eating small fruits, toucans Will throw Their heads back and allow the fruit to roll into Their throats before swallowing.