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Toucan

Toucans are brightly coloured Neotropical birds in the family Ramphastidae, known for their large bills and fruit-based diet.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Toucans are brightly coloured Neotropical birds in the family Ramphastidae, known for their large bills and fruit-based diet. They live in tropical forests across Central and South America and include more than 40 species in five genera. The best-known species is the toco toucan, which is the largest toucan species.

Taxonomy and classification

Toucans belong to the bird family Ramphastidae in the order Piciformes. The family contains five extant genera and more than 40 species.

Distribution and habitat

Toucans are native to the Neotropics, especially tropical forests in Central and South America. Many species live high in the canopy, and some occur in mountain forests.

Physical characteristics

Toucans are best known for their large, colourful bills and short, rounded wings. They also have long tails and are adapted to life in trees.

Diet and behaviour

Most toucans eat fruit, but they also take insects and small vertebrates. They often live in trees, nest in cavities, and some species move locally with changing weather.

Key facts

  • Toucans are birds of the family Ramphastidae in the order Piciformes.
  • They are native to the tropical forests of Central and South America.
  • Their oversized, often brightly coloured bills are one of their most distinctive features.
  • Toucans are mainly fruit eaters but also consume insects, eggs, frogs, lizards, and other small animals.
  • The family includes more than 40 species across five extant genera.

Frequently asked questions

What is a toucan?
A toucan is a bird in the family Ramphastidae, known for its large bill and tropical American distribution.
Where do toucans live?
Toucans live in tropical forests of Central and South America, mainly in the Neotropics.
What do toucans eat?
They mainly eat fruit, but many species also eat insects, eggs, frogs, lizards, and other small animals.
How many species of toucans are there?
There are more than 40 toucan species, grouped into five extant genera.
Are toucans related to woodpeckers?
Yes. Toucans are in the order Piciformes, which also includes woodpeckers.
What is the best-known toucan species?
The toco toucan is the largest and best-known toucan species.

References

  1. PBS Nature — https://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/blog/toucan-fact-sheet/
    Supports: Toucan family classification; five extant genera; over 40 species.
  2. Britannica Kids — https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/toucan/353869
    Supports: Species count; family Ramphastidae; relation to woodpeckers; habitat; diet; physical traits.
  3. BirdLife International — https://www.birdlife.org/birds/toucans/
    Supports: Native range; forest habitat; family species count; conservation notes.
  4. National Geographic — https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/birds/facts/toco-toucan
    Supports: Toco toucan as largest and best-known species; size; least-concern status; tropical forest habitat.
  5. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toucan
    Supports: Order Piciformes; Neotropical distribution; family Ramphastidae; five genera; over 40 species.