For the first time in more than 30 years, the San Diego Zoo successfully welcomed the arrival of toco toucan chicks. The zoo celebrated the hatching of two young toucans, which later left the nest in July 2017 after spending almost two months growing and developing. Today, the two birds live in the Parker Aviary habitat at the Zoo.

Life in the Rain Forest

The toco toucan is the most recognizable member of the toucan family, easily identified by 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 forests of South America. They spend most of their time high in the trees, where they search for food and find shelter. Although they have wings, they are not especially strong flyers. Instead of long flights, they usually move by jumping and climbing between branches.

The Amazing Beak

Toco toucans are large birds that can reach about 25 inches in height, and their famous bills can grow more than 7 inches long. Despite their impressive size, the bill is surprisingly lightweight because it is hollow and made from keratin, the same material found in human fingernails. A network of thin bone structures provides support while keeping the bill light.

Scientists believe this oversized beak plays several important roles. It may help attract mates, display strength, and defend against threats. The large bill also allows the bird to reach fruits growing on delicate branches that cannot hold its entire body weight.

A toco toucan’s tongue is long and covered with feather-like structures. It helps the bird collect food, including fruits, insects, and small reptiles, before moving the food toward the back of the throat.

Social Life and Nesting Habits

Toco toucans are social birds that usually live in small groups of around six individuals. They build their nests inside natural tree cavities, where both parents share responsibility for caring for the eggs.

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

The young toucans at the San Diego Zoo have grown quickly. Although their bills were once short and completely yellow, they have continued developing as they grow into healthy young birds that visitors can now see at the Zoo.