Keel-billed Toucan

Toucans are known for their very large colorful beaks.  In fact, the scientific name of the Keel-billed Toucan means “large yellow beak.”  Toucans live in rainforests in Central America and South America where they use their beaks to open fruit and catch small animals. 

Physical Description

Other than purple, Keel-billed Toucans have every major color on their bills.  Their back is blackish and their face and neck is bright yellow.  They have short rounded wings and a wide tail to help them fly and maneuver through rainforest trees but they prefer to hop from branch to branch.

Family Life

Mother Keel-billed Toucan lay up to 4 eggs.  The chicks hatch out after about 18 days.  They can leave the nest after about 6 weeks and will travel in a flock of 6 to 12 birds.  Often several toucans will share the same nesting hole.

Diet

Fruit, insects, spiders, birds and small reptiles