Get to know toucans!

For the first time in more than three decades, the San Diego Zoo successfully welcomed two baby toco toucans. The pair hatched and spent almost two months safely growing inside their nest before leaving it in July 2017.

After becoming independent, the young toucans moved into their new home in the Parker Aviary habitat at the Zoo, where visitors can now see these beautiful birds.

Life Among the Rain Forest Trees

The toco toucan is the most recognizable member of the toucan family, famous for its enormous orange-and-yellow bill. It is also known as the common toucan, giant toucan, or simply the “toucan.”

In their natural environment, toco toucans live in the tropical rain forests of South America. They spend most of their time high in the trees and are more comfortable hopping between branches than flying long distances. Their flying ability is limited, so they usually move from one tree to another by climbing and jumping through the forest canopy.

A Remarkable Oversized Beak

Toco toucans are large birds that can reach around 25 inches in height, with bills that extend more than 7 inches long.

Although their beaks appear heavy and oversized, they are surprisingly lightweight. The bill is made mostly of keratin, the same material found in human fingernails, and contains a structure of thin bone supports that gives it strength without adding much weight.

Scientists believe the large bill serves several purposes. It may help attract potential mates, and it can also be used as a tool for defense when necessary.

The toco toucan’s tongue is long and feather-like, helping it collect food and move it into its throat. Their diet includes fruits, insects, and small reptiles. Because the bill is so light, these birds can reach fruit growing on thin branches that would not be strong enough to hold their entire body weight.

Family Life and Social Behavior

Toco toucans are social birds that usually live in small groups of about six individuals. They build their nests inside natural tree cavities, where both parents work together to care for the eggs.

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

The young toucans at the Zoo once had shorter, completely yellow bills, but they have grown quickly and developed the long bills that make their species so distinctive.

A Growing Pair of Young Toucans

The arrival of these two chicks marked a special milestone for the San Diego Zoo after more than 30 years without a successful toco toucan hatch.

These young birds represent an important part of conservation and education efforts, giving visitors the chance to learn more about one of the world’s most fascinating tropical birds and observe their growth firsthand.