Ian
priscilla 1Toucan Birds
March 17th 2008 11:14
Toucans are near most closely related to American barbets. They are brightly marked and have large, colorful bills. The family includes about forty different species. The name Toucan is derived from Tupi tucana, via French.
The colorful, giant bill, which in some large species measure more than half the length of the body, is the hallmark of toucans. Despite its size it is very light, being composed of bone struts with little solid material between them. The bill has forward-facing serrations resembling teeth, which historically led naturalists to believe that toucans captured fish and were primarily carnivorous, but today we know that they eat mostly fruit. Why the bill is so large and brightly colored is still unknown. As there is no sexual dimorphism in coloration it is unlikely to be a sexual signal, and their diet does not require a bill that size. It has been theorised that the bill may intimidate smaller birds, so that the toucan may plunder nests undisturbed. Also, the beak allows the bird to reach deep into tree holes to access food unavailable to other birds, and also to demolish suspended nests built by smaller birds.
A toucan's tongue is long (up to 14-15 cm, or 6 inches), narrow, grey, and singularly frayed on each side, adding to its sensitivity as an organ of taste.
*This image used with permission from Damn Funny Pictures.
**This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation Licence. It uses material from the Wikipedia article Toucan.
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Comment by Louie
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Climate Red
randomthoughts
Phil's Wellness Tips
FYI I think the big bills are so they can eat fruit loops....or thats what Sam Toucan tells me
Comment by Anonymous