It’s hard to see a picture of one of these incredible birds and not think of the cereal, “Frootloops”. It turns out it kind of makes sense. These beautiful birds with the huge, yellow-orange black tipped beaks (one third of the bird’s total length) are mostly found in central South America where wild fruit is plentiful. They use their beak to gather fruit. The tasty treats not only fulfill most of their dietary requirements, the fruit is also used as foreplay in a courtship ritual when they toss the treat to a potential mate… kind of like dinner and a date.
The toco toucan’s weight range is between 592 and 760 grams (about the weight of a pair of jeans) and average 61 cm in length. Their wing span range is between 1 metre and slightly over 1.5 metres. In spite of this impressive wing span, they aren’t very good at flying and usually travel by hopping in the trees searching for food.
Assiniboine Park Zoo’s Collection:
Our Chestnut mandible Toucan is currently off display, with plans to move to another Zoo for a breeding program. The Toco Toucan is on display at Toucan Ridge
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Chestnut Mandibled Toucan (Swainson's)
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NC
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Female
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Jun 15, 2010
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Toco Toucan
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CC / CHIMICHANGA (CHIMI)
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Female
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Jun 05, 2018
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Why Do Birds Hit Windows?
Birds do not perceive windows as a barrier. They see reflections in glass as open space and fly into it with force. Although studies report inconsistent numbers is estimated 100 million to 1 billion birds strike windows per year in the U.S. with 54-76% of strikes being fatal. You can find dots on many windows around the Zoo and Park as we also try to help mitigate bird strikes, even inside Toucan Ridge.
To reduce bird strikes:
- Use window markers, tempera paint, or soap to decorate or draw a grid on your window. The pattern should not have gaps larger than 2 inches.
- Screens, netting, one-way transparent film, and bird friendly tape (dots that adhere to your window) can also help bird identify windows and protect them.
- Avoid visual paths to sky and greenery. Bright windows on the opposite wall from your picture window may give the illusion of an open path to the other side. Closing a window shade or a door between rooms can sometimes solve this situation.
- Place feeders and baths at least 10 feet away from windows
- Turning off your lights or close your blinds at night during the migration season. 2/3 of song birds migrate at night and lights can cause them to become confused.
Sources: https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Ramphastos_toco/
https://animalfactguide.com/animal-facts/toco-toucan/