Toco Toucan

Created on Day 5

on July 22, 2010

Design

Toco Toucan

The bright colors of the Toco may seem to us to make it stand out; however, God designed it with those bright colors as part of His creativity and beauty in creation. Since the Fall of man, these colors seem to help this species blend into its habitat. Its dark body allows it to hide in the shadows of trees and its bright colors are easily overlooked as flowers or fruit among the trees. Even though its beak appears heavy, it is actually designed with lightweight material, containing a number of air pockets.

Features

  • The body plumage of the Toco toucan is black with a white patch on its throat. The beak of the Toco is brightly colored while bare orange areas surround the eyes.
  • The Toco is the only non-forest toucan.

Fun Facts

  • Thin rods of bone help support the Toco’s beak.
  • The Toco’s tongue is similar to a feather, and it is used to toss food down its throat.
  • With such a large bill, the toucan has a unique sleeping position. It turns its head around and lays its bill on its back.
  • Tocos participate in a ritual of tossing fruit to each other.

Created Kind Members

Keel-billed toucan, white-throated toucan

CLASS: Aves (birds)
ORDER: Piciformes (woodpeckers and relatives)
FAMILY: Ramphastidae (toucan)
GENUS/SPECIES: Ramphastos toco

Size: About 25 in (0.6 m) long; beak up to 7.5 in (0.2 m)
Weight: About 18–30 oz (0.5–0.8 kg)
Original Diet: Plants
Present Diet: Fruit and some insects; occasionally, birds, lizards, and eggs
Habitat: Mainly riverine edges of forest and forest patches in savannas in eastern and central South America

Zoo Guide

Make your next visit to the zoo more than just fun—make it factual and fascinating too! You could even start a personal “creation zoo tours” ministry. Featuring more than 100 animals, our long-awaited Zoo Guide includes beautiful pictures and explores the amazing facts and design features that point to our awesome Creator. Excellent gift for any one who loves animals!

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