Toucans are colorful birds with super big beaks and fun personalities! These amazing animals live in tropical forests and love to hop from tree to tree. Their bright colors help them hide in the leaves, and they make funny sounds that are easy to remember. Kids love toucans because they look like cartoon birds with rainbow beaks!
Watch a Toucan in Action!
Toucans are fun to watch as they fly, hop, and call out in the jungle. See how they use their big beaks and bright feathers to move around and play in the trees.
What is a Toucan?
A toucan is a type of bird that is known for its extra-large, colorful beak and silly sounds. It lives in warm, tropical places with lots of trees.
- Toucans are birds with bright feathers and huge beaks
- They belong to the same group as woodpeckers
- Toucans can fly, but they mostly hop from branch to branch
- They sleep in holes in trees
Where do Toucans live?
Toucans live in rainforests where it is warm and full of trees. These forests are in Central and South America.
- Toucans live in countries like Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela
- They make their homes in tree holes high above the ground
- Tropical rainforests are wet, warm, and full of plants and animals
What do Toucans eat?
Toucans eat lots of fruit, but they also enjoy bugs and small animals sometimes. Their big beak helps them reach fruit on high branches.
- Fruit is their favorite food
- They also eat insects, lizards, and bird eggs
- Their beaks are perfect for picking fruit and squishing bugs
How big is a Toucan?
Toucans are about the size of a house cat. Their beaks look big, but they are very light!
- Most toucans are around 20 inches (50 centimeters) long
- They weigh about 1.5 pounds (0.7 kilograms)
- Their beak can be up to 7.5 inches (19 centimeters) long
What sound do Toucans make?
Toucans make sounds that can be clicks, croaks, or even barking noises! Some sound like frogs, while others sound like squeaky toys.
Cool Toucan Facts
Toucans are some of the most interesting birds in the rainforest! Here are some fun facts to share with your friends.
- Toucans have the biggest beak of any bird compared to their body size
- Their beak is strong but very light
- They use their beak to scare off predators and grab food
- There are over 40 different kinds of toucans
- Toucans live in small flocks and like to chatter
- They can toss food into the air and catch it in their beak
- Some toucans can live up to 20 years
- They play a big part in spreading seeds in the forest
Printables and coloring fun
Toucans are so colorful, they are perfect for coloring pages and games! Have fun drawing your own toucan with these activities.
Toucans in the eco-system
Toucans are important to the rainforest. They help grow new trees by spreading seeds from the fruit they eat. But some toucans are in danger because people are cutting down forests.
- Toucans spread seeds to help new trees grow
- They are food for bigger animals like eagles and snakes
- Some toucan species are near threatened or vulnerable
- Saving forests helps protect toucans and their homes
Ask a grown-up to help you learn more
If you want to learn even more about toucans, ask an adult to check out these safe and helpful websites with you.
Fun questions about Toucans
Brightly colored—usually a mix of yellow, orange, green, red, and blue.
No, they fly short distances due to their small wings.
No, they make croaking or clicking sounds but don’t mimic speech well.
For reaching fruit, attracting mates, and regulating heat.
They’re born blind, featherless, and with small beaks.
They stay in trees and use camouflage and loud calls to warn others.
Some can be curious and social, but they aren’t as tame as parrots.
The toco toucan—it’s the largest species.
Around 15–20 years in captivity; less in the wild.
Yes, but they need special care and aren’t legal everywhere.
Ways to donate and support Toucans
Toucans need our help to keep their rainforest homes safe. You can help protect them by learning more and supporting groups that care for wild animals.
Sources: Wikipedia, Live Science, Creative Commons, Britannica.com and Freesound.org
Alphabetical list of animals that start with T
A full alphabetical list of popular animal names that begin with the letter T for toddlers and preschool kids.
- Tamarin
- Tang
- Tapir
- Tarantula
- Tarsier
- Tasmanian Devil
- Termite
- Tern
- Tetra
- Thresher Shark
- Thorny Devil
- Tiger
- Tiger Shark
- Toad
- Tortoise
- Toucan
- Tree Frog
- Trout
- Turkey
- Turtle
- Tyrannosaurus Rex (Extinct)
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All animals A-Z
Animal phonics alphabet
Animals that start with common phonics digraphs
Animal facts for kids
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Try our Printable Alphabet Worksheets! Download a FREE SAMPLE or preview all 200+ on Etsy.com or TeachersPayTeachers.com