TOUCAN: CHARACTERISTICS, HABITAT, TYPES AND DIET - BIOLOGY - 2025

The toucan or ranfástido (Ramphastidae) is a bird characterized by a large beak, beautiful and bright colors. This beak stands out on its body, covered by black or green plumage, with some white, yellow or red areas. The family Ramphastidae, to which it belongs, includes four genera and a diversity of more than forty species. In these, the size could vary from 29 centimeters to 63 centimeters, in the case of the toco toucan.

In relation to the body, it is compact, with a thick and short neck. The wings are small in size, due to the fact that it generally flies at close distances. Although it has a very large bill, which could measure up to a third of the total length of the bird, it is strong and light. Internally it is formed by a spongy bone, highly vascular, which is externally covered with keratin.

Toucan. Source: pixabay.com

Ranphastids are native to the Neotropics, extending from the southern part of Mexico to Argentina, in its northern region. They are located in the humid tropical forests, where they fly in search of their favorite food: fruits.

Although they are generally considered fruitful animals, they are omnivores. They can hunt, especially in the mating season, insects, rodents, bats and snakes, among others.

Evolution

The vast majority of the genera that make up the family Ramphastidae evolved in the late Miocene. However, recently fossilized remains of the toco toucan (Ramphastos toco) were found in Brazil. These date from the historical period corresponding to the Pleistocene.

The closest relatives of the ranphastids belong to the Capitonidae. Both groups are believed to come from a common ancestor.

Numerous investigations have been conducted on the diversification of the toucan. Initially it was proposed that the radiation of the genera occurred in the Pleistocene, due to possible changes in the distribution of the forested regions of tropical America.

The research work continued and, based on the sequence of the mitochondrial cytochrome and the ribosomal subunit of the genes, they contributed another hypothesis. In this, the plurality of genera occurred approximately 47 million years ago, during the Middle Eocene to the late Miocene.

However, the most widely accepted speciation theory and model is that toucan speciation occurred in the Pleistocene glaciations and interglaciations, where dry and tropical forests, respectively, underwent expansions.

Evolution of the black plumage of toucans

More than a century has passed since the rediscovery of Mendel's works laid the foundation for modern genetics. Furthermore, this broadens a theoretical framework, which allows understanding the effect of genetic changes on natural populations.

Currently, thanks to the discovery of novel molecular techniques, it has been possible to find the molecular bases of various phenotypes. Thus, the relationship between genes and phenotype could be identified.

Coloring is a characteristic that could be subject to natural selection. This is due to its important role in camouflage, sexual selection, and thermoregulation, among others.

Various loci in vertebrate animal genes have been linked to color variations. This supports the hypothesis that a convergent evolution, in terms of light or dark coloration, could involve the same locus, as occurs with the melonocortin-1 receptor (MC! R).

Species in the family Ramphastidae exhibit different color patterns, which can include green, brown, black, and red. Among the main genera, the Ramphastos are the darkest. They are characterized by their black plumage, with several white or orange patches.

The MCR1 locus and color variations

Research results indicate that functionally relevant substitutions at the melonocortin-1 receptor occurred in Ramphastos. This is supported by the evidence that MC1R evolved differently in this genus.

In addition, changes in amino acids occur in this lineage that make them functionally significant. Of these variations, three are related to loci that have previously been associated with color variations in mammals and birds.

In another vein, because the species of the genera Selenidera and Pteroglossus inhabit the inner part of the forests, they are favored by the selective pressure exerted by their plumage. This is due, among other things, to the fact that they can go unnoticed in the colorful environment that surrounds them.

On the other hand, the Ramphastos preferentially occupied the edges or the canopy of the forests. In such an ecological environment, darker pigmentation offers more effective protection against UV rays.

In this way, although the variation in plumage color in the Ramphastidae could affect their adaptation in various ways, the use that these species made of the habitat where they were found created a selective pressure

This does not only apply to their feathers, but is also related to the beak and other phenotypic expressions of color in these birds.

characteristics

The body of this bird is short and compact, with highly variable lengths, due to the diversity of genera. Thus, the marked arasarí weighs 130 grams and is about 29 centimeters long. The toco toucan is one of the largest, reaching 63 centimeters, with a weight of 680 grams.

On the beak, which is long and colorful, is a flattened tongue. This measures up to 14 centimeters, is narrow and ends in a point. The neck is thick and short. The eyes are surrounded by skin, which is sometimes brightly colored.

As for the wings, they are short and small. With these he makes short flights through the forest. The legs are small and strong, with which it can move easily between the trees, in addition to holding on to the branches. The fingers are presented in pairs, with the first and the fourth located backwards.

Coloration

The color of the feathers may vary by gender. Some are green, accompanied by other colors, such as red, black and orange. Such is the case of the genera Aulacorhynchus and Selenidera.

On the other hand, the gray-breasted mountain toucan has a variety of colors on its body, including gold, bright blue, black, yellow, gray, and red. The banana toucan stands out among all of its family, as it has a saffron-colored plumage, with a blackish tail.

The species of the genus Pteroglossus are black, dark green or brown, with a red rump and a black head. On the contrary, the ventral region is intense yellow.

Tail

The toucan's tail has a very particular movement. You can easily move it up and down. This is due to the modification of several of the vertebrae of its tail. The three posterior vertebrae are fused and attached to the spine through a joint similar to the patella.

Due to this, the toucan can move it forward, being able to touch its head with it. This is the posture they use to sleep, giving the appearance of a ball of feathers.

Peak

The toucan's beak is one of the fundamental characteristics of this bird. In this way, the vast majority of common names are related to this structure. An example of this is the yellow-billed arasari and the ribbed-billed toucan.

Probably this coloration is used by each species to recognize each other. This is because the body patterns and colorations of toucans can be quite similar.

The size of this structure, in all species and subspecies, is large compared to the size of its body. Its length can be up to a third of the length of the bird. Thus, they can measure from 6 centimeters, in the Arasaris, to 23 centimeters, in one of the largest species, the toco toucan.

Typically, it is decorated in bright, bold colors. In this way, it can be multi-colored or luminous black. Both the upper and lower jaws are serrated. This allows the toucan to hold its prey or cut the berries and fruits.

Morphology

Despite its robust appearance and length, the toucan's beak is light. Internally it is formed by spongy and hollow parts, composed of cells that are joined by ligaments. These are rich in calcium and give the beak stiff. They also have membranes, which form a spongy mass.

Externally it is covered by hexagonal layers of keratin, superimposed on each other. Therefore, it is not completely solid. Contrary to what might be thought, it has characteristics of being strong and light, making it resistant to impacts.

The beak is irrigated by a network of capillaries, which are arranged superficially. They do not have any structure that works as a thermal insulator, so they are very sensitive to variations in ambient temperature.

Features

Some attribute the beak to a frightening effect on other birds, including hawks. In this way, it can escape a threat, or scare them away to access the nests and take the eggs.

Another of the functions is nutritional, since it allows the toucan to reach the fruits that are nearby, reducing the energy expenditure that would imply moving to take them. Likewise, it can penetrate the hole of the trees, thus accessing the food that is located there.

Internal temperature regulator

Recent studies show that the beak is a body thermoregulator. Being a homeothermic animal, the toucan needs to equalize heat losses with heat gains, thus keeping its internal temperature constant.

When the ambient temperature rises, it is difficult for the bird to dissipate that heat, because it does not sweat. For this reason, the peak fulfills the function of regulating thermoregulation, supported by the characteristics of having a large surface area and being highly vascular.

The researchers note that the temperature of the peak, in its superficial part, changes rapidly when the environment is cooled or heated. This is achieved thanks to the numerous blood vessels, which function as the "radiator" of a vehicle.

In this sense, the toucan regulates the blood flow of the beak, increasing or decreasing it, depending on its need.

Taxonomy

• Animal Kingdom.
• Subkingdom Bilateria.
• Chordate Phylum.
• Vertebrate Subfilum.
• Infrafilum Gnathostomata.
• Tetrapoda superclass.
• Class Birds
• Order Piciformes.

Family Ramphastidae

Subfamilies

-Capitonidae.

-Lybiidae.

-Megalaimidae.

-Ramphastidae.

List of species (types of toucans)

Subfamily Capitonidae

-Gender Capito

Species: Capito auratus, Capito aurovirens, Capito wallacei, Capito brunneipectus, Capito squamatus, Capito quinticolor, Capito dayi, Capito niger, Capito maculicoronatus, Capito hypoleucus.

-Gender Eubucco

Species: Eubucco bourcierii, Eubucco tucinkae, Eubucco richardsoni, Eubucco versicolor.

-Genus Semnornis

Species: Semnornis ramphastinus, Semnornis frantzii.

Subfamily Lybiidae

-Genus Buccanodon

Species: Buccanodon Duchaillui

-Genus Gymnobucco

Species: Gymnobucco bonapartei, Gymnobucco peli, Gymnobucco calvus, Gymnobucco sladeni.

- Genus Lybius

Species: Lybius bidentatus, Lybius dubius, Lybius chaplini, Lybius guifsobalito, Lybius leucocephalus, Lybius minor, Lybius melanopterus, Lybius rolleti, Lybius torquatus, Lybius rubrifacies, Lybius vieilloti, Lybius undatus.

-Genus Pogoniulus

Species: Pogoniulus atroflavus, Pogoniulus chrysoconus, Pogoniulus bilineatus, Pogoniulus coryphaeus, Pogoniulus pusillus, Pogoniulus leucomystax, Pogoniulus simplex, Pogoniulus scolopaceus, Pogoniulus subsulphureus.

-Gus Stactolaema

Species: Stactolaema anchietae, Stactolaema olivácea, Stactolaema leucotis, Stactolaema whytii.

- Genus Trachylaemus

Species: Trachylaemus purpuratus

- Genus Trachyphonus

Species: Trachyphonus darnaudii, Trachyphonus margaritatus, Trachyphonus erythrocephalus, Trachyphonus vaillantii Ranzani.

- Genus Tricholaema

Species: Tricholaema diademata, Tricholaema hirsuta, Triholaema frontata, Tricholaema lacrymosa Cabanis, Tricholaema melanocephala, Tricholaema leucomelas.

Subfamily Megalaimidae

-Genus Caloramphus

Species: Caloramphus fuliginosus.

-Gender Megalaima

Species: Megalaima lineata, Megalaima lagrandieri, Megalaima mystacophanos, Megalaima montícola, Megalaima oorti, Megalaima rafflesii, Megalaima pulcherrima, Megalaima virens, Megalaima rubricapillus, Megalaima zeylanica, Megalaima viridis.

-Gender: Psilopogon

Species: Psilopogon pyrolophus.

Subfamily Ramphastidae

-Gender Andigena

Species: Andigena cucullata, Andigena laminirostris, Andigena hypoglauca, Andigena nigrirostris.

-Genus Aulacorhynchus

Species: Aulacorhynchus caeruleogulari, Aulacorhynchus cognatus, Aulacorhynchus coeruleicinctis, Aulacorhynchus derbianus, Aulacorhynchus huallagae, Aulacorhynchus haematopygus, Aulacorhynchus sulcatus, Aulacorhynchus prasinus, Aulacorhynchus wagulacorhynchus.

- Genus Baillonius

Species: Baillonius bailloni.

-Gender: Pteroglossus

Species: Pteroglossus viridis, Pteroglossus torquatus, Pteroglossus pluricinctus, Pteroglossus inscriptus, Pteroglossus sanguineus, Pteroglossus erythropygius, Pteroglossus castanotis, Pteroglossus frantzii, Pteroglossus beauharnausteroglossus blossoms, Pteroglossus arasteroglossus, Pteroglossus arasteroglossus blossoms, Pteroglossus arasteroidsii.

-Gus Ramphastos

Species: Ramphastos ambiguus, Ramphastos dicolorus, Ramphastos brevis, Ramphastos sulfuratus, Ramphastos toco, Ramphastos swainsonii, Ramphastos vitellinus, Ramphastos tucanus.

-Gender Selenidera

Species: Selenidera culik, Selenidera maculirostris, Selenidera gouldii, Selenidera reinwardtii, Selenidera nattereri, Selenidera spectabilis.

Habitat and distribution

Toucans are found distributed in the New World, from southern Mexico to southern South America, also covering the Central American area. The vast majority live in lowlands, however, due to the great variety of species that make up the family, they are located in different regions.

Thus, for example, birds of the genus Selenidera live mainly in the Amazon, western Colombia and in the southern part of Panama. The Andean gray-breasted toucan, belonging to the genus Andigena, lives in the Andean humid forests, especially in Ecuador and Colombia, at an elevation of 3,900 to 11,000 feet.

On the other hand, the tagged arasarí (Pteroglossus inscriptus) is found in the Amazon basin of Bolivia and Brazil. The green-billed toucan, a member of the genus Ramphastos, is found in the jungles of Colombia, Mexico, and western Venezuela.

Habitat

The habitat is extensive and can be found in a great diversity of Neotropical regions, especially in dry humid forests. Most toucans reside year-round in the same area. However, some may carry out seasonal migrations.

Thus, they can move in the fall and spring, in search of better weather conditions. On the other hand, there are records of flocks of these birds invading those areas where fruit trees abound. This is due to the fact that fruits are scarce, since they are produced seasonally.

The food resource is one of the main factors that, in addition to generating local migrations, influences the geographical distribution of this frugivorous bird.

A large part of the species of the Ramphastidae family are forest, and are restricted to primary forests. It could be the case that they inhabit secondary forests, but they do so mainly to forage. In these regions they look for old trees to reproduce.

Variations according to species

The only one in the family that does not live in the forest is the toco toucan, found in the savannas. Habitat also varies in Aracaris, which are found in tropical rainforests, while Aulacorhynchus are in forests, in those between 3,300 and 10,000 feet in elevation.

Although the ranges could overlap, research indicates that competition among toucans is almost nil, because their eating habits could be different.

The only case where two competitive species coexist is where the pale-billed aracaris (Pteroglossus flavirostris), which lives in the Peruvian forest canopy, and the chestnut-eared aracaris (Pteroglossus castanotis), which occupies the edges of the forest, are involved..

Competitive exclusion occurs when both species exchange their habitats, in the event that one of the two birds is occupying the place where the other lives.

Danger of extinction

A large number of the species that make up the Ramphastidae family are threatened with extinction. This is why the IUCN, like other organizations that fight for the defense of organisms, has evaluated the condition of these birds, ensuring their protection.

In some species, the current chance of becoming extinct is less. Some of these are the toco toucan (Ramphastos toco), the collared aracarí (Pteroglossus torquatus), the red-billed toucan (Selenidera reinwardtii) and the emerald toucan (Aulacorhynchus prasinus), among others.

On the contrary, in others, the situation is much more serious. Such is the case of the yellow-browed toucan (Aulacorhynchus huallagae) and the ariel toucan (Ramphastos ariel).

Causes and actions

The main threats to these birds are poaching, capture to be sold as pets, and loss of their habitat. In relation to this, the clearing of forests to be used as agricultural land and for raising livestock, has resulted in the deforestation of the habitat.

In these disturbed ecosystems, toucans can hardly grow and develop. This is due, among other things, to the loss of countless fruit trees, which provide the food for your daily diet.

In addition, the roads built through the wooded area create open spaces, which are not preferred by these birds to settle and nest.

The different countries where toucans live have implemented environmental laws for their protection. Likewise, there are numerous national forest reserves, in order to conserve the rich biodiversity of the ranfástids.

Feeding

Digestive system

The toucan's tongue is specialized. It is long, narrow and has “fringes” on the edges, which give it a feather-like appearance. This species lacks a crop. The cervical esophagus begins in the ventral area, deviating towards the right side of the neck. Likewise, it remains aligned with the trachea, throughout its entire trajectory.

The stomach is small. Because of this, it is necessary that foods contain high levels of water, since absorption is rapid and what they eat is quickly discarded.

The toucan's digestive system lacks a cecum and the gallbladder is elongated. As for the large intestine, it is formed only by the colon and rectum, culminating in the cloaca.

To feed, the toucan grabs the food with the tip of its beak and throws it into the air. Then he catches it with his beak open, places it at the back of his throat and swallows it. If the food is found in large pieces, it first compresses them with a leg, thus breaking it into smaller pieces.

Diet

Toucans are opportunistic omnivores. Thus, they can eat insects, spiders, rodents, frogs, lizards, bats, snakes and smaller birds. This they can do eventually, especially in the reproductive season.

However, their diet is made up of a high percentage of fruits, which are considered frugivores. Thanks to this, they play an important ecological role, since they contribute to the dispersal of the seeds. While foraging, they form groups and go in search of fruit trees.

Likewise, they are predators, since they locate the nests of other birds and take the eggs or young to consume them. In this way they are adding an extra portion of protein to their diet.

It is an arboreal animal, which stretches its neck forward to reach the fruits and berries and takes them with its beak, which it uses as pincers. The vast majority of toucans forage in the canopy of forest trees.

Fruits you eat include figs, palm, guava, and red pepper. Likewise, they eat species such as Casearia corymbosa, Ehretia tinifolia, Cecropia, Didymopanax, Rapanea and Phytolacca.

Toucans often drink water from bromeliads that grow on trees, rather than going down to the ground and taking water from a stream.

Reproduction

The toucan is a monogamous animal that lives as a couple permanently. Sexual maturity generally occurs when they are 3 or 4 years old.

This species has behaviors typical of courtship, such as grooming between the couple. Likewise, the birds play to exchange food or small pieces of branches. They can be thrown or hit with the beak. Also, the male could offer berries to the female for her to eat.

Its reproduction is oviparous and occurs in the last days of January. They generally lay eggs, 2 to 4, only once a year. The coloration of these is white and they have an elliptical shape. Furthermore, they are porous and quite brittle.

The incubation period lasts between 17 and 20 days. Both the male and female share the responsibility of hatching the eggs. Also, both share the raising of the chicks.

Nests

Species belonging to the Ramphastidae family nest in cavities. The larger ones make a hole in the decayed parts of large trees. Smaller toucans, on the other hand, usually take over woodpecker nests.

Some may take over termite nests they find in trees. Likewise, the vast majority of these could use the trunks of palm trees to dig and use the space as a nest.

The toucan often lays its eggs in the same hole each year. The eggs are placed on scraps of wood or in a lining of small balls of seeds, which have been regurgitated before laying the eggs.

Young

Upon hatching, the chicks lack plumage and remain with their eyes closed for about three weeks. The newborn calf has red fur and a short beak. The bottom of this is slightly wider than the top. In addition, they do not have the black spot on the tip, characteristics of adults.

The heel pads have sharp outgrowths, which could form a ring. These tend to detach and fall off when the young leave the nest. The feathers grow slowly, so much so that at one month of age many hatchlings still have areas of their bodies with bare skin.

Both parents feed the chicks, bringing food to them at the tip of their beaks. However, most of the time they carry it down the esophagus or throat and regurgitate it in the nest. Adults and young hatchlings are responsible for cleaning the nest.

When they are eight to nine weeks old, the young leave the nest and search for food on their own.

Behavior

Toucans tend to groom each other, particularly on the nape and head. For this they use the tip of their long beak. On the other hand, ranphastids bask in the sun. For this, they spread their back wings to the sun's rays, generally keeping their beaks open.

However, due to the sensitivity to temperature changes, this is done in areas where there is a shady area nearby.

Posture to rest

To sleep inside the cavity of the trees, they assume a very particular position. They place the beak on its back, where it is covered by dorsal feathers and wings.

Then, they raise the tail forward, covering the back and beak with it. At the same time, it readjusts its wings, so that it looks like a “ball of feathers”. When the spike rests on the body, contact with it allows it to obtain a little heat, which can protect it in case the ambient temperature drops.

The vast majority of arasaris sleep together, in groups of 5 or 6, inside a hole in a hollow log. The last bird to enter the tree cavity does so backwards, with its tail on its back. In this way it is pressed on the body of the rest of the birds that are there.

Communication

The toucan is among the loudest group of wild birds. This can emit different vocalizations, characterized by being loud, sharp or harsh. The vocalizations could be a uniform squawk or chirp, heard in the jungle as a thunderous chatter.

Larger species perch at the top of the tree canopy, emitting a loud call. These are accompanied by some movements of the beak and the head.

The vocalizations could act as a meeting signal, thus drawing the rest of the group to an excellent foraging site. Likewise, they may be used in the recognition of species.

This is because the different genera of toucans that are in the same habitat have different calls.

The calls are usually made frequently in the late afternoon, along with the rest of the birds that are ready to rest. However, at night they are inactive. The maximum moment of vocalization occurs in the morning hours and after the rain.

Social

This bird is highly social. Most can form groups, especially on a lush fruit tree.

The toucan is sedentary, being able to live in the same region for a large part of its life. It is a monogamous animal, which during the reproductive season usually withdraws from the group where they are. Later it can return to this, together with its young.

It may have behaviors, such as calls and fights with its beaks, that are oriented to maintain the bond with its partners or establish a certain hierarchy within the group. This can be done during the time of digestion, a space that is used to socialize in this way.

Flight

Toucans rarely fly in large groups, they usually do so in loose groups. In this way, they roam the forest and adjacent clearings in small flocks.

The agile Collared Arasari (Pteroglossus torquatus) has a fast and direct flight, while large toucans are slow fliers.

The flight is wavy and short. After flapping its wings several times, they hold them and glide downward, as if its body had been knocked over by its massive beak. Before long, it begins to flap its wings again.

Common diseases of toucans

Toucans are among the species most prone to disease. Among the ailments they suffer from are iron storage, fungal diseases and parasites.

Iron storage

Primary iron storage disease is considered hereditary, while secondary is caused by anemia or due to exposure to high levels of iron. In the case of these birds, a certain predisposition of the species to this disease has been found.

The iron absorption process probably plays a determining role in the development of hemochromatosis. Such disease could be fatal to the toucan.

Iron deposits are frequently identified in hepatocytes and in cells of the kidney, lung, spleen, intestines, and pancreas. Because of this, the toucan could present signs such as dyspnea and an enlarged abdomen and liver.

One of the consequences of this condition is the difficulty to reproduce. This could be because the liver is involved in the formation of the egg yolk.

Infectious diseases

Toucan microflora includes Escherichia coli, Streptococcus serotype D, Staphylococcus spp. These were detected in the cloaca of 90% of a group of asymptomatic toucans, of different species.

Since pathogens are clinically recurrent in Ramphastidae, antimicrobial therapy is considered only in patients with high concentrations of some of these bacteria, especially when the bird shows the clinical signs of the disease.

Also, the toucan can present acute infection by avian pseudotuberculosis (Yersinia pseudotuberculosis), which causes the death of the animal, since it triggers pneumonia, splenomegaly and hepatomegaly. This disease could cause a discoloration of the orange color of the bill, turning black or dark green.

Fungal diseases

Some neonates, among which are those of the toucan touch, may present ulcers on the corneas, caused by Candida sp. Several of these affected birds also had some secondary bacterial infections. This disease yields easily to topical treatment.

On the other hand, there have been cases of acute deaths, caused by Penicillium griseofulvum. The affected toucans presented a greenish mold in the air sacs, lungs and abdominals.

Viral diseases

Within this group of diseases, the toucan can be infected by the microscopic agent known as herpevirus. This creates histological lesions in the liver, causing necrotizing hepatitis, and the spleen is also affected.

Also, you could suffer from chlamydia, a disease that affects the liver and spleen of the animal.

Parasites

Research documents the presence of 3 species of Plasmodium in the toucan, these are Plasmodium huffy, Plasmodium nucleophum tucani and Plasmodium rouxi. When P. huffy is at high levels it can kill the bird. The other two species are associated with mild infections, in collared arasari, sulfur-crested toucans, and Swanson's.

Also, toucan feces can often contain giardia eggs and larvae. In a large number of cases, the bird does not present the symptoms of the disease.

The toucan as a pet: breeding advice, legality of breeding in the world

Breeding tips

Environment conditions

The space must have access to the sun's rays, because the toucan usually takes "sun baths". It is recommended that there are no drafts, smoke or noise.

Facilities

The cage must be spacious, so that the bird can move fully. Thus, they can jump from branch to branch and fly short distances. The measurements of the cage, for a single specimen, could be 2.5 x 3.6 x 2 meters.

The branches that are inside should be natural and of different sizes. In relation to the location, the ideal is that they are located away from the drinkers and the feeders. In this way, contamination of these with bird droppings is avoided.

The floor must have good drainage and be made of materials that facilitate cleaning it. In addition, it is desirable that there is a closed area, a heat source and an open space, for them to fly.

An important element is the need for several natural logs with holes, to be used as nests or hiding places. The aviary must be protected against rats and mice. These, although they could be part of the toucan's diet, could be carriers of infectious diseases.

Social behavior

When the toucan is in captivity it tends to become somewhat aggressive, especially the male. This is why it is advisable not to mix them with other species, and place them individually or in pairs.

Vocalizations

These birds are some of the loudest in the forest. Your call could be heard over 700 meters. This feature can be annoying, so it should be taken into account.

Feeding

In captivity, the toucan's diet should be based on 50 or 60% of fresh chopped fruits, being supplemented with food specially formulated for toucans, low in iron. It is not recommended to use food for insectivorous birds, grapes and raisins, since they contain a high proportion of iron.

Likewise, citrus fruits should be offered in moderation, because they facilitate the absorption of this mineral. In the reproductive season, it is recommended that the pairs receive various live prey, such as crickets, snails and grasshoppers.

If mice are to be part of the diet, strict sanitary control is necessary to avoid the transmission of diseases such as that produced by Y. pseudotuberculosis.

Suggested fruits and vegetables to feed toucans include: apple, peach, melon, pear, banana, mango, strawberry, papaya, and kiwi. Vegetables can be tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers, and corn, among others.

Water

Toucans get most of the water they need from the fruits they eat. However, they must have containers that contain fresh, clean water.

Legal aspects

The toucan is considered a bird at risk of extinction. This species is protected and is under the legal control of export and import, as expressed in Annex II of CITES.

In this annex, are the species that, although they are not cataloged within the group that has a high probability of becoming extinct, there is a possibility that they could be, unless their trade is strictly controlled. The purpose is to avoid actions that are not compatible with their survival.

International trade in those species that are in Annex II can be carried out through a re-export permit. The CITES legal framework does not contemplate the need to have an import permit, although each country may have stricter laws with reference to this aspect.

In order to grant the permits, the competent authorities must have determined, among other aspects, that the commercialization will not be detrimental to the conservation of the species in its natural habitat.

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