Get to know toucans!

For the first time in more than 30 years, the San Diego Zoo successfully hatched toco toucan chicks—two healthy babies at once. The young toucans left their nest in July 2017 after spending almost two months growing and developing inside. Today, the pair can be seen living in the Parker Aviary habitat at the Zoo.

Life in the Tropical Rain Forest

Recognized by its enormous orange-and-yellow bill, the toco toucan is the most familiar member of the toucan family. It is also known as the common toucan, giant toucan, or simply the “toucan.”

In the wild, these birds are found in the rain forests of South America, where they spend most of their lives among the trees. Toco toucans are not especially strong flyers, so instead of flying long distances, they usually move by jumping and hopping from branch to branch.

A Remarkable Oversized Bill

Toco toucans are large birds that can reach around 25 inches in height, with a bill measuring more than 7 inches long. Despite its impressive size, the beak is surprisingly lightweight because it is hollow and made from keratin, the same material found in human fingernails. Thin layers of bone provide additional support and structure.

Scientists believe the large bill plays several roles, including helping attract mates and serving as a tool for defense. The toucan’s long, feather-like tongue helps it collect food, such as fruits, insects, and small reptiles, before moving the food down its throat.

Because the bill is so light, the bird can use it to reach fruit growing on thin branches that would not be strong enough to hold the weight of the toucan itself.

Family Life and Communication

Toco toucans are social birds that usually live in small groups of around six individuals. They build their nests inside natural holes in trees, where both parents take part in caring for the eggs.

When baby toucans hatch, they do not yet have the large, colorful bills that adults are known for. Their beaks gradually grow as they mature, reaching full size after several months.

At the San Diego Zoo, the young toucans have grown quickly. Their bills are now longer, although they still have the bright yellow coloring of younger birds. Visitors can now enjoy seeing these growing toucans in their habitat.