Colorful, curious, and full of personality; toucans are some of the most eye-catching birds in Costa Rica! At Diamante, you can spot them showing off their bright beaks, hopping between branches, and calling to each other with their funny croaks. They’re playful, social, and always ready to strike a pose for the camera!
COLORFUL BEAKS
At Diamante, you can meet three types of toucans : the rainbow-billed toucan (our colorful friend Franco!), the chestnut-mandibled toucan, and the collared aracari. Each species has its own unique beak, light and hollow, painted with bright tropical colors that make them true rainforest icons.
HABITAT
TUCKED IN TIGHT
At night, toucans snuggle close together on the same branch, folding their tails forward and tucking their beaks beneath their feathers to rest safely. When they do, their bright tail feathers wrap around their bodies, creating a round, colorful shape that helps confuse predators; a clever trick for a peaceful night’s sleep!
FAMILY HELPERS
Toucan parents make a great team! The mother lays two to four eggs each year, and both parents take turns keeping the eggs warm and feeding the chicks once they hatch.
HAPPY HOPPERS
With their short legs, toucans can’t walk like most birds… they hop! Their springy jumps help them move from branch to branch with balance and ease while keeping their beaks steady.
LIGHT BUT MIGHTY
A toucan’s beak may look heavy, but it’s actually light and strong! It’s made of keratin the same material as human nails and hair, and filled with tiny air pockets that keep it strong yet easy to lift.
CURIOUS OMNIVORES
Toucans may love fruit, but they eat much more than that! These colorful birds are omnivores, meaning they enjoy a mix of fruits, insects, tiny lizards, and even bird eggs. With their long beaks and playful nature, they’re always exploring for their next tasty bite.
TREE HOLE HOMES
Instead of building nests, toucans move into ready-made homes; tree holes carved out by woodpeckers! These cozy hollows keep their eggs safe and dry high above the forest floor.
SOCIAL EATERS
Toucans are friendly, social birds that love company: especially at mealtime! They often gather in small groups to share fruit trees, hopping from branch to branch as they snack together. Their playful eating habits and lively interactions make them some of the most entertaining birds in the rainforest.
TOUCANS NEED TREES
Toucans may not be endangered, but their future depends on the health of the forest. When trees are cut down, they lose their nesting places, food, and safe spaces to live. Protecting the rainforest ensures these colorful birds; and many others, continue to brighten the skies for generations to come.
TOUCAN TALK
Toucans may look elegant, but they don’t sing; they croak! Their deep, frog-like calls echo through the rainforest and help them stay connected with their flock, warn of danger, or celebrate when they find a tasty fruit tree. Each species has its own unique voice that adds cheerful sounds to the jungle’s lively soundtrack.
SHARP EYESIGHT
Toucans have excellent vision! Their large eyes help them spot ripe fruit, insects, and predators high in the canopy. Good eyesight is key for surviving in the colorful chaos of the rainforest.
SPIKY TONGUE
Hidden inside their colorful beaks is a long, narrow tongue covered in tiny spikes! This helps toucans grip and swallow slippery fruits and insects without dropping them.
The rainforest is never quiet, and the toucan’s voice is one of its most surprising sounds. Instead of singing, toucans croak like frogs: a deep, echoing call that carries through the trees. Their voices help them stay connected, warn others, and keep the jungle alive with sound.
TOUCAN TALES
Bright colors and big personalities! Meet Diamante’s rainbow-billed, chestnut-mandibled, and aracari toucans as they show off their dazzling beaks, playful charm, and tropical flair in every photo.