The large toucan has an unusual plumage : its body is black, the collar, chest and upper part of the tail are white, and the lower part of the tail is red. Around his eyes he has thin blue skin , it is surrounded by an orange, coarser. But the most prominent is the giant yellow-orange beak with a red part on top and a black spot on the end. It looks heavy, but, like other toucans, it is hollow. The tongue of this species is almost as long as the beak, and very flat. The length of the large toucan is 55–65 cm, the length of the beak is almost 20 cm, its weight is on average 700 g, thus it is the largest representative of the toucan family and the largest woodpecker. Males of a large toucan are larger than females; otherwise they do not differ in appearance. Young birds have a paler and shorter beak than adults. The voice of these toucans is croaking, with frequent repetition. Sometimes they loudly make a clicking invocative sound with their beaks.
Large toucans eat fruits ( passion fruit and figs ), picking them from trees, sometimes insects and even eggs and chicks of other birds. In captivity, cases of eating weaker individuals of their own species are known. The long beak is used by large toucans to obtain food in hard-to-reach places, as well as to peel the fruit peel and scare away predators. Usually live in pairs or in small groups. In flight, fast sharp flapping of wings alternate with leisurely planning. They breed seasonally, but at different times, depending on the region. The nest is usually located on a tall tree, consists of a hollow, at least part of which is made by the parent birds themselves. There have been cases of nesting in pits on the banks and in termite mounds. Large toucans breed once a year. The female usually lays 2 to 4 eggs a few days after mating. The eggs are hatched by both the female and the male, the chicks hatch after 17-18 days. Birds actively protect themselves and their offspring.
Large toucans are common in eastern Bolivia , southeastern Peru , northern Argentina , eastern and central Paraguay , eastern and southern Brazil . Small populations are also found along the southern Amazon and north of Brazil on the coast.
In 2011, in the cartoon " Rio " was the character Rafael (Rafael), and he is this bird. Voiced by George Lopez .
