| FUN FACT |
* It is illegal to take toucans from their nests.
* Due to an unusual muscular and bony attachment the tail can be folded over the bird’s back so that the tip lies beside the head |
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It is the largest toucan in Central America. Its body is black with a bright yellow chest, white rump and red on the underside of its tail feathers. The male is slightly larger than the female, but otherwise look alike. Their large bill is diagonally divided into bright yellow and maroon. It is also hollow and less awkward than it looks.
Juveniles have a slightly duller plumage.
Also known as the Swainson's toucan or chestnut billed toucan.
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| DISTRIBUTION |
| Central and South America (Honduras to western Ecuador) |
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| HABITAT |
| Canopy of lowland and highland wet forests. |
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| DIET |
| Fruit, berries, seeds, large insects, eggs and young of other birds. They have an important ecological role as seed disperser for certain trees. |
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| BREEDING |
| They lay 2-4 white eggs in an unlined cavity high up in a tree. Both male and female incubate the eggs for about 14 days. The chicks are blind and naked at birth and stay in the nest for about 6 weeks. They are fed by both parents. |
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| STATUS |
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| AT THE AVIARY |
| See this bird during special presentations or classes only. This bird is not currently on exhibit. |
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