Its upperparts, belly, tail and most of the bill are black, and the uppertail and undertail coverts are red. The bare eye-patch and bill base are blue, the throat is white, most of the central breast is yellow-orange fading to white laterally and the lower breast sharply contrasts with a broad transverse red band.

Toucans (/ˈtuːkæn/, UK: /-kən/) are Neotropical members of the near passerine bird family Ramphastidae. The Ramphastidae are most closely related to the American barbets. They are brightly marked and have large, often colorful bills. The family includes five genera and over 40 different species.

The bill is useful as a feeding tool. The birds use them to reach fruit on branches that are too small to support their weight. And the bill's serrated edges are useful for peeling fruit. In addition to fruit such as figs, oranges, and guavas, toco toucans eat insects and eggs and nestlings of young birds.

The toucans are, due to their unique appearance, among the most popular and well known birds in the world. Across their native range they were hunted for food and also kept as pets, and their plumage and bills were used for decorations.

Discover fascinating facts about toucans' distinctive bills, their conservation status, and what they do way up in the rainforest canopies.

• Toucans Make Many Noises.
• They Come From a Big Family.
• They Use Their Bills in Numerous Ways.
• They Aren't Graceful in the Sky.
• They Live in the Rainforest Canopies.
• Their Size May Vary.

The toco toucan, the largest and best-known toucan species, is at home in South America's tropical forests. Its oversized, colorful bill has made it one of the world's most popular birds: They're familiar commercial mascots, known for hawking stout, cereal, and other products.

Fun Toucan Facts for Kids:

• A toucan can live for up to 20 years.
• The Toco Toucan is the largest - they weigh 2 pounds and can grow up to 25 inches long.
• Their bill (beak) accounts for half of their length.
• Their colourful bill makes them one of the world's most popular birds.