Creature Feature Encyclopedia: Aves

Keel-Billed Toucan Ramphastos sulfuratus

The Keel-Billed Toucan of South and Central America seems to be mostly beak! He uses his big bill to squash the many kinds of fruit he eats. Figs are his favorite snack. The bright colors of the bill of the toucan help attract a mate. When he is sleeping, the toucan lays his beak on his back and covers it with his wings and tail. The toucan is very important to the rainforest because he helps to distribute seeds from the fruits he eats.

~A Walk in the Rainforest © 1992