Ramphastids: Toucans, Toucanets, and Aracaris
Characterized by their large and sometimes beautifully colored bills, Ramphastids are easily recognizable. This family is restricted to the tropics of the Western Hemisphere. The purpose of the bill has been speculated over the years. Originally the bill was thought to serve as an attraction to females during courtship and then an adaptation for acquiring and manipulation of fruit. Today scientific research has shown that the bill serves as a heat radiator, thus helping the birds regulate temperature. Although it looks heavy the bill is actually quite light consisting of a keratin outer shell and a hollow core criss crossed by tin bony supports
Swainson's Toucan
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Toco Toucan
RCP
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Keel-billed Toucan
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| Husbandry manual |
