WordGarden.iotoucan
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /tˈuːkən/
US
- /ˈtuːˌkæn/noun
Meanings
Noun
a tropical bird with a very large colorful bill
Beyond the definition
Imagine a rainforest bursting with color. That's where you'll likely find this bird. It is famous for its enormous, bright beak, which seems almost too big for its body. It uses that beak to reach fruit on thin branches, and the beak also helps it control body heat. This bird is not just beautiful; it also helps spread seeds through the rainforest. You can think of it as a bright helper of the forest.
The toucan is a striking tropical bird, instantly recognizable by its large, colorful beak. Native to the forests of Central and South America, it is more than just beautiful; it is well adapted to life in the rainforest. The beak may look heavy, but it is actually very light because much of it is hollow and covered in keratin.
Toucans use their beaks for many tasks, such as reaching fruit on thin branches, peeling fruit, and showing signals to other birds. They mainly eat fruit, but they also sometimes eat insects, eggs, and small reptiles. Their plumage is often a mix of black, yellow, red, orange, and blue, making them one of the most eye-catching birds in the rainforest canopy.
There are over 40 species, each with its own markings and beak shape. These birds often live in small groups and nest in tree holes, sometimes using the same place again. They are also important to the forest because they spread seeds as they move from tree to tree. If you picture a lush tropical forest full of color and sound, this bird will fit right into that scene.
Examples
- 1
Rainforest sighting
We saw a toucan in the rainforest just after sunrise.
- 2
Zoo habitat
The zoo's toucans stay in a warm indoor habitat during the winter.
- 3
Travel branding
A toucan appears on the travel company's logo because it looks bright and tropical.
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- toucannoun
Forms
- toucanspluralnoun