The typical toucans (genus Ramphastos) are the largest of the conspicuous toucan family. The strikingly large and coloured bill works as a thermal radiator that keeps the toucan cool in the tropical climate by maintaining body temperature, much like the elephant’s oversized ears. It also enables the bird to reach food, and attract mates. Its size corresponds to about one third of the toucan’s body length.
The largest member of the toucan family is the Toco Toucan, which was photographed in the Parque Nacional do Iguacu, Brazil along with the Red-breasted Toucan except for the three close-ups taken in the Parque das Aves in Foz de Iguacu. The third large toucan was photographed in the Botanical garden of Rio de Janeiro, viz. the Ariel Toucan, all in 2011.
Globalwings Photo 