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Toco Toucan

Ramphastos toco

Range

Found throughout eastern South America from the Guianas through Brazil to northern Argentina.

Habitat

Prefers semi-open to open habitats such as plantations, river forests, woodlands, and palm groves. Often found in the canopy of tropical rainforests.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The toco toucan is the largest of all toucan species. The most prominent feature of the toco is its enormous orange to golden-yellow bill with a large black spot at the tip.

Dietary Classification

Diet in the Zoo: fruits and commercially prepared avian diet

Diet in the Wild: The toco is chiefly frugivorous but also consumes arthropods. It has been known to feed on young birds, eggs, and small lizards as well.

Life Span

Approximately 10 years

Behavior/Adaptations

* Toucans generally live in small family groups consisting of less than 12 birds.
* Toucans exhibit an interesting sleeping behavior by resting the bill across the back and placing the tail over the head, essentially forming a “feather ball”.

Status

Not threatened but many birds are taken from the rainforests to be sold in the pet trade.

Classification

Kingdom	Phylum	Class	Order	Family	Genus	Species
Animalia	Chordata	Aves	Piciformes	Ramphastidae	Ramphastos	toco