Toco Toucan Fact Sheet Common Name: Toco Toucan Scientific Name: Ramphastos toco Wild Status: Least Concern Habitat: Open areas, savannas, woodlands, forest edges Country: Bolivia, Peru, Argentina, Paraguay, Brazil Shelter: Trees, tree holes Life Span: 20 years Size: 2ft long Details Toco Toucans are one of the most iconic birds in the world, recognizable by their large colorful beaks and round eyes. Their tuxedo bodies are reminiscent of a penguin's black and white colors, making this bird truly unique and memorable. They are monogamous and pairs will take care of their nest together, with various pairs sometimes occupying the same territory. They are found in various parts of South America, preferring to live outside forests and in more open areas. In North America, they are known mostly from cartoons and cereal boxes, and typically only found in zoos. Cool Facts • These birds have the largest beak-to-body ratio of all birds, larger than even pelicans • While their beaks are intimidating, they are not very hard and can't adequately be used for protection • Blood is pumped to the beaks to cool down its body. Alternatively, the beak can be tucked under the wings, to maintain body heat • They are, however, useful tools, helping them reach fruit and tear apart prey • They are omnivores that eat mostly fruits, but will seek out insects, small lizards, and small birds • Will sometimes invade nests of smaller birds to eat their eggs • Similar to bats, Toco Toucans can hang upside down from tree branches Taxonomic Breakdown Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Piciformes Family: Ramphastidae Genus: Ramphastos Species: R. toco Conservation & Helping Although these birds are hunted for food or kept as pets, Toco Toucans are not considered to be under threat. Their population is declining at a rate not high enough to classify as endangered. Download all our fact sheets, take our quizzes, and more, all in the Critter Squad Kids’ Zone! https://www.crittersquad.com/kids-zone/.