Toucans can be commonly seen in the tropical forests of Central and South America.
Most are found high in the trees. The family includes five genera and about 40
different species. Among the many striking birds of the American tropics, the
toucans stand out because of their enormous, brightly colored bills.
Their
bodies are short and thick. They are also compared to size of crows. Toucans can
range in size to a length of 24 inches (60 centimeters) long. A toucan has short,
rounded wings and a long tail. Its most outstanding feature, however, is its huge
bill, which can make up one third of the bird's total length.The tail is rounded,
and varies in length from half the length to the whole length of the body. They
have a short and thick neck, and at the base of the head is a huge, brightly-colored
beak that measures, in some large species, more than half the length of the body.
Toucans are mainly fruit eaters, but they will also eat large insects, snakes,
frogs, and lizards. Toucans are among the noisiest birds in the forest. They are
arboreal (mostly spend their life on trees) and nest in tree holes laying 2–4
white eggs. The young ones hatch completely naked, without any down. Toucans are
resident breeders and do not migrate. Toucans are usually found in pairs or small
flocks.
