Animal Profiles
Birds

Toucan

Ramphastidae

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Toucans are tropical American birds with prominent bills. This account describes the toco toucan (Ramphastos toco), a mainly fruit-eating South American species.

Ramphastos toco (toucan)

Representative species: Ramphastos toco.

Giles Laurent · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Location
Toco toucans occur across parts of central and eastern South America. This species uses more open country than many forest-associated toucans.
Habitat
Savanna, Grassland
Diet
Omnivore
Food
Fruit makes up most meals; insects and bird eggs are also eaten.

Classification

Common name
Toucan
Browse group
Birds
Scientific name or taxon
Ramphastidae
Taxon rank
family
Order
Piciformes
Family
Ramphastidae
Source classification
Aves

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • Its orange bill has a black tip.
  • It nests in tree cavities.
  • Both plant and animal foods enter its diet.

Habitat and range

Toco toucans occur across parts of central and eastern South America. This species uses more open country than many forest-associated toucans.

Appearance and adaptations

A large yellow-orange bill contrasts with dark plumage. Blue and orange bare skin surrounds the eye.

Diet and behaviour

Fruit makes up most meals; insects and bird eggs are also eaten. The bill reaches fruit on branches. The bird tosses food back to swallow it, and breeding pairs use cavities to shelter their young.

Sources

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