Alpha's ABC's Featured Daily Character

http://alphalearningworld.com/characters.htm

Takoda Toucan

 Hey Boys and Girls

Alpha's daily featured character is:  "Takoda Toucan"

   Here are a few interesting Toucan Facts!! 

You probably already know that toucans have big bills. As a matter of fact, they have larger bills, in proportion to the size of their body, than any other birds. Here are some interesting facts about toucans' bills - and their other physical attributes.

• An average full-grown toucan weighs less than a pound - about 14 ounces or 400 grams. Full grown toucans are slightly less than two-feet long. From top to tail they are about 20 inches.
• Studies suggest that a toucan's bill is so large because it helps to keep the bird cool in the warm climates where it lives.
• Toucans are unable to sweat, which is why they need their bills for air conditioning.
• Toucans' bills are not solid. Instead, their structure is similar to a honeycomb, making the bills extremely light.
• Because toucans' bills are so light in weight, they are pretty useless for anything other than cooling. They can't be used for digging or fighting.
• The bill does, however, allow them to sit in one spot and reach for food, which is a good thing since toucans don't like to move around much.
• Toucans also can use their bills for camouflage.
• Toucans' bills average about 8 inches in length.
• Toucans make use of length of their bills by digging into holes in trees and logs to grab prey.
• Baby toucans are not born with large beaks; it takes several months for their beaks to reach full size.
• Toucans have four claws: two on the front and two on the back, which allow them to cling to branches and balance on trees.