Toucan

Although the sign in the zoo stated this was a red-breasted toucan, it looks more like the ivory-billed aracari - which is a toucan. The ivory-billed aracaris largely inhabit the Amazon rain forests in the countries of Peru, Ecuador, Columbia, Brazil, and Venezuela.

Toucans are birds which range from southern Mexico through South America into Argentina. They are not particularly hefty birds with most not reaching a third of a pound. But because of their lengthy bill and tail, they can be up to 18 inches long - a pretty good size as birds go.

The aracari is not as colorful as many toucans which often have rainbow plumage spread out in multicolored patches with colorful bills. And like most toucans they are not under immediate threat.

References and Further Reading

Toucans, Julie Murray, ABDO Publishing, 2014.

Toucans, Murray R. Dunn, Pebble Plus, 2012.

Toucans, Lorien Kite, Scholastic, 1999.

Toucans, Mary Ann MacDonald, The Child's World, Inc., 1999.

"Toucan Bird Facts", A-Z Animals.