What Are Some Toucan Facts for Kids?

The colorful and rather odd looking toucan is one of the most popular and most noticeable birds on the face of the planet. In truth, the toucan behaves in a similar way to every other bird. However, there are many other unique things about the toucan that make it stand out from other birds. Here are some toucan facts which illustrate to kids what makes the bird unique.

Although the toucan is recognized everywhere because of its physical appearance, namely it’s large oversized beak, you cannot find the toucan hanging out just anywhere. In fact, there is only one place on Earth that a toucan will call home. This one place is the South American tropical rain forests which are able to provide the ideal habitat for the toucan.

Here are some facts about this South American native bird:

Mating Rituals

• It was thought for some time that the beak was used to attract the opposite sex. However, since both the male and female toucan both have a beak of roughly the same size, 7.5 inches, this is no longer thought to be true.

• The beaks are used though during the mating ritual in what scientists have come to call a ritual food toss. Males and females both will catch food for the other and then flip it to their potential mate during this process.

Toucan Beaks

• At first appearance the beak of a toucan appears as if it could deliver a powerful bite and you would think this would be a deterrent for predators. However, in all actuality, the bill is lightweight since it is compiled of honeycomb like bone and is mostly air.

• The beak of a toucan is mostly just for show rather than being a means of defense for this bird species.
• Although the beak of the toucan is not effective in combat, it is a tool that is very useful for feeding and this is what it is primarily used for.
• The beak is a vital tool in reaching fruit on the branches of trees that the toucan cannot sit on because the branch is too weak.
• The beak is also useful for removing the skin of fruit before the bird eats it.
• Toucans have also been known to eat eggs, lizards, and sometimes even young baby birds.

Toucan Way of Life

• Toucans are not solitary animals and prefer to live in social groups called flocks.
• A toucan flock usually contains about six or more birds.
• Nature has provided the toucan with just the right colors to blend in with the canopy of the tropical rainforests in which it resides.
• Although it is possible for the toucan to remain camouflaged, this is not usually the case as the toucans are constantly chattering and calling attention to themselves in the treetops above the forest.
• Toucans use holes in trees for nests and only breed once per year.
• Each toucan nest may contain anywhere from two to four eggs and is looked after by both the male and female toucan.
• When the eggs hatch, the babies will emerge without the large distinguishable beak.
• The beak of the toucan will grow as the baby grows, generally reaching full size over a period of several months.

So, now you know some great toucan facts that you can share with kids of all ages.