Toco Toucan

Toco Toucans are very intelligent birds.  Of all the toucan species they are the only known toucan species to be used in free flight bird shows.  They are calm friendly bird that when raised in captivity enjoy spending time with their owners/handlers.

Toco Toucans are the largest of the toucan species weighing approximately 700 grams and are 25 inches long.

The Toco Toucan is easily recognized by its large colorful yellow beak  with a black tip.  The adult toucan’s beak  accounts for nearly half of their length (up to 8 inches long).  The beak aides in foraging for food and also regulates blood flow to distribute heat away from it’s body. 

Captive toucans are fed a diet of low-iron pellets and fresh fruits. Pellets should make up about 50% of their diet – the other half being fresh fruits. They should be fed plenty of low-iron fresh fruits, such as papayas, cantaloupes and other melons, berries,apples, raspberries and bananas.  The fruits should be chopped up into bite-sized pieces (about 0.5 inch on each side). Any seeds (such as found in papaya or melons) should be removed as they can cause intestinal problems.

In the interest of promoting good enrichment and husbandry practices for Toco Toucans we are happy to share our resources for Toco Toucan education, Toucan enrichment ideas, toys and feed. Please Visit our Toco Toucan Resource page for more information.