It is the common name for birds with a large and colourful beak found in the tropical regions of the Americas. There exist 6 genera with around
38 species in all, with 19 of them living in Ecuador. They range in sizes from 18cm to 63cm, with the largest toucans living in the lower tropical rainforests. They possess a long and narrow tongue, which is frayed on the sides to increase the sense of taste and runs the whole length of the lightweight beak.

Order Family Genus Specie

PICIFORMES RAMPHASTIDAE Ramphastus R. culminatus

Toucans are found in tropical cloud and rainforests on both sides of the Ecuadorian Andes. They feed primarily on fruits but supplement their diet with worms, insects, eggs, small birds and reptiles. They do not build nests but use the hollows of trees or abandoned nests of other birds, where they lay 2 to 3 glossy white eggs. The young are born completely naked without any down whatsoever.

Range Habitat Ecuador Status

Mexico - Argentina Tropical Forests Amazon, Coast, Cloud forest Threatened

Toucans spend all their time on or near trees and so are affected by the ongoing deforestation in the country. They are also caught in order to be sold as mascots and pets due their beautiful bills.