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Toco Toucan

The Toco toucan is at home in South America's tropical forests but recognized everywhere. The toucan's oversized, colorful bill has made it one of the world's most popular birds.

 

As a weapon, the Toucan's bill is more show than substance. It is a honeycomb of bone that actually contains a lot of air. While its size may deter predators, it is of little use in combating them.

 

But the Toucan's bill is useful as a feeding tool. They use them to reach fruit on branches that are too small to support their weight, and also to skin their pickings. Apart from fruit, Toco toucans eat insects and, sometimes, young birds, eggs, or lizards.

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Uploaded on January 5, 2017
Taken on November 1, 2016