Ramphastos Tucanus
The Ramphastos tucanus is a heavy-bodied bird
with a long tail and rounded wings. The wings are very helpful for
maneuvering through trees. The bird’s legs are short and strong with
two toes facing backwards. The tucan’s bill is large but light-structured.
This long and deep curved bill can help him capture small animals.
Besides small animals the tucan also
eats large fruit, and parts of small plants. If the tucan has a problem
holding his food, the serrated bill helps him grasp it. They have a unique
way of eating. The colors. Their bill includes such colors
as red, blue, green, yellow, and orange. These bright colors help advertise
for a mate in breeding season.
Most tucans live in open areas
with few scattered trees. These birds are normally found in Mexico
and Argentina, in the lower layer of the rainforest. They have an
unmusical call for mating. The parents tend their young until they
are ten months or until fully-grown. The female tucan will lay her
white eggs in a bare hollow.
There are forty-two different kinds of tucans
and they are all found in different parts of South America. The word tucan
comes from the word tucano, which is used by the Topi Indians from Brazil.
The scientific name is Ramphastos tucanus. They are considered
the symbol of the American Tropics.
By: Tiffany
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