The toco toucan (Ramphastos toco) is one of over 40 toucan species in the family Ramphastidae. It is the largest toucan species and also the most widespread toucan species in the world.
The toco toucan has a huge orange bill half as long as its body and a glossy black and white plumage, which is the same in both sexes. Its engaging, cartoon-like appearance has made it a popular subject for illustrations, toys and advertisements.
Toco toucans nest in burrows, high in trees. They return to the same nest every year and sometimes use earth walls and termite nests. They breed every year; the male and female take turns sitting on the nest.
Toco toucans love company. They gather together, fly in groups and make a lot of noise. A toucan's call is a piercing, monotonous sound. While flying, the bird alternates clapping with gliding flights. Lively and playful as they are, toco toucans love wrestling matches. Two birds grab each other by the beak and push until one of them loses its balance. In another game, which often precedes mating, the birds throw berries at each other. When a toucan sleeps, it turns its head to rest its beak on its back, and folds its tail over it. This allows more toucans to fit into a nest.
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