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DESCRIPTION 18 inches (45cm). Body black with white around eyes and down breast, bordered in red. Undertail red with yellow accent, and beak black with yellow border on top and around area near face.
NATURAL DISTRIBUTION Northern South America, where they are hunted for their tasty dark meat.
HABITAT Tropical rain forests, at low and middle altitudes.
DIET Fresh and dried fruit, with some coarse insectivorous and possibly an occasional young bird or egg, white bread or soaked rice. Tosses food into air before swallowing and is adept at catching.
SPECIAL NEEDS Be sure diet is low in fat since toucans tend to be at risk from athereosclerosis. Does not behave well with fellow species or small birds, particularly at feeding dishes.
CAGE LIFE Inquisitive and calm. Loves to bathe, and frequently. Unable to mimic the human voice. Likes high aviary and needs thick perches about 2l/2 inches (6cm) for sitting and sleeping. Lays 2 to 4 eggs, incubation 19 to 20 days, fledging 48 to 50 days.
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