A remarkable bill

Birdorable Toco Toucan

With its massive orange-yellow bill, the Toco Toucan is one of the most recognized birds in the world. Here are some interesting facts about the Toco Toucan and its amazing bill.

  • The Toco Toucan is the largest species of toucan in the world. There are about 40 species of toucan in total.
  • The bill of the Toco Toucan is nearly 8 inches long. Its tongue is not much shorter - that's a long tongue!
  • A toucan's bill is largely hollow, with a boney structure similar to that of a sponge. It may look like a formidable weapon, but its use as a defensive aid is more psychological (intimidation) than physical.
  • Up to 50% of a Toco Toucan's total body surface area can be found in its bill.
  • Toco Toucans use their massive bills to skin fruit and to grab hard-to-reach food items.
  • Toucan bills may help the birds regulate heat; the large surface area of the bill radiates heat away from the bird's body in their warm tropical environment.
  • A Toco Toucan can live up to 20 years in the wild.
  • Toco Toucans are cavity nesters. Can you imagine this amazing bird using its bill to hollow out a tree cavity for its nest?

If you can't get enough of Toco Toucans, be sure to check out Birdorable's selection of Toco Toucan t-shirts and gifts!

Birdorable Toco Toucan gifts

Comments

Be the first to comment

Comments with links or HTML will be deleted. Your comment will be published pending approval.
Your email address will not be published
You can unsubscribe from these communications at any time. For more information on how to unsubscribe, our privacy practices, and how we are committed to protecting and respecting your privacy, please review our Privacy Policy. By clicking submit below, you consent to allow Birdorable to store and process the personal information submitted above to provide you the content requested.

A Closer Look at the Crested Owl: The Owl with Elegant White Crests

Today’s new species is a very special type of owl with a unique look. The Crested Owl, as the name suggests, is known for the striking long white head crests that adorn its crown. These crests extend upward from what appear...

ABA Honors Common Loon as 2025 Bird of the Year

The American Birding Association (ABA) has selected the Common Loon as its Bird of the Year for 2025. The ABA's Bird of the Year program aims to inspire and educate birding enthusiasts by spotlighting a particular species annually. The program began in 2011 with the

Busting a Bird Myth: Penguins Only Live in Cold, Icy Climates

Penguins are often associated with icy landscapes and freezing temperatures, but the idea that they only live in cold climates is a common misconception. While some penguins thrive in frigid regions like Antarctica, many species are perfectly adapted to warmer environments. Of the 18 recognized penguin species,...

Fun Avian Dad Facts for Father's Day

In most bird families, males and females both participate in the raising of their young. In 8% of cases, the female does everything related to care of eggs and raising offspring. And in just 1% of bird species does the...