Basic Information
Scientific classification
- Chinese name: Toucan
- Scientific name: Spot-billed Toucanet (Selenidera maculirostris)
- Classification: Climbing birds
- Family and genus: Toucanidae, order Toucanidae, genus Toucan
Vital signs data
- Body length: 30-35 cm
- Weight: No verification information available.
- Lifespan: No verification data available.
Significant features
Distribution and Habitat
The Toucan is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay in South America.
The Toucan is typically found at altitudes of 400–1000 meters, primarily inhabiting lowland rainforests, and sometimes appearing in open areas with sparse trees nearby.
Appearance
The Toucan measures 30-35 cm in length. Its plumage is predominantly black and dark blue, with a red underbelly and several patches of orange-yellow. It has bare green skin around the eyes and a patch of orange-red ear feathers. The male has a complete black crest. The female's plumage is paler than the male's, with the black areas appearing brown. Sexual differences are very pronounced; chicks can be sexed by their plumage when they are about four weeks old.
It has a relatively large beak compared to its body, but the beak is actually quite light, far less heavy than it appears. It is covered by a thin keratinous sheath, and hollow inside, with numerous fine bony struts arranged in an interlacing pattern. The tongue is long, the beak edge is distinctly serrated, and there are no bristles around the base of the beak. The skin on the bare parts of the face and lower jaw is usually brightly colored.
Detailed introduction
The Spot-billed Toucanet, scientifically known as *Selenidera maculirostris*, is a climbing bird.
The call of the Toucan resembles that of a frog. The Toucan is omnivorous, feeding on fruits, seeds, and insects, and is sometimes considered a pest in orchards.
Toucans typically choose trees with good wood to dig burrows, with the opening just wide enough for the adult bird to squeeze in, and the burrow depth ranging from 17 cm to 2 meters. If a suitable burrow is found near the base of the tree trunk, they usually choose that burrow first and then dig further. Burrowing is an important part of their breeding behavior. The nest has no lining; 1-5 eggs are laid on sawdust or a rough layer of regurgitated seeds, which accumulates as nest building progresses. Incubation takes about 16 days; the chicks hatch naked and take at least 3 weeks to open their eyes. They leave the nest and fly away after 45 days, then begin their independent lives nested in foliage.
It is listed in Appendix III of the 2019 edition of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Protect wild animals and ban the consumption of wild game.
Maintaining ecological balance is everyone's responsibility!
