Toco Toucan
Image: Lurian Klein (cc-by-nc)
NameToco Toucan
Common NameToco Toucan
Scientific NameRamphastos toco
FamilyRamphastidae
Wingspan (cm)110
Length (cm)60
Weight (g)680
Plumage DetailsPredominantly black body plumage with a contrasting white throat and chest. A narrow red band encircles the base of the neck, and the undertail coverts are red. The most distinctive feature is its massive, bright orange-yellow bill with a large black spot near the tip. A pale blue ring surrounds the eye, and the iris is green.
Vocalization / CallTheir calls are typically a series of deep, frog-like croaks or grunts, often described as 'grrr-grrr-grrr' or 'rrrok-rrrok-rrrok'. They can also produce clattering sounds with their bills.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatstropical and subtropical forests, savannas, woodlands, open country with scattered trees
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in central and eastern South America, including parts of Bolivia, Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and the Guianas.
Identifying Featuresenormous orange-yellow bill with black tip, black body plumage, white throat and chest, red undertail coverts, pale blue eye ring
Description
The Toco Toucan is the largest and arguably best-known species of toucan, characterized by its striking black plumage, white throat, and an enormous, brightly colored orange-yellow bill with a black tip. It is an arboreal bird, often seen hopping through tree branches in search of fruit and other food items.
