Joan Embery

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  • Home
  • Joan
    • Travel with Joan
    • Awards
    • Volunteer Service
    • News and Archived Events and Announcements
  • Institute
    • Education and Wildlife
    • Projects
    • Support
    • Image Library
  • Pillsbury Ranch
    • Private Events >
      • Events Image Gallery
    • Horse Boarding
    • Horses and Livestock
    • Merchandise
    • Holiday Celebrations at the Ranch
  • Saddle & Driving Club
  • Fine Art
  • Contact

Carmen                                                                                                                            Toco Toucan
IUCN: Least Concern

Picture
Carmen was a fruit-eating toco toucan (Ramphastos toco) native to the South American rainforest. I saw them flying overhead in the Amazon, their long distinctive bills outstretched as they flew over the treetops. Not surprisingly, toco toucan bills are the largest relative to their body size of any bird species, and can represent 30-50% of their body surface area!

Toco toucans' elongated, hollow bills extend their reach to make ripe fruit at the tips of the branches more accessible. The edges of their long bills are serrated like a steak knife and they will use it like a dagger when frightened. Toco toucans have a long narrow tongue that looks like a feather. Much like a sponge, it helps them collect nectar and fruit pulp and juices.

Carmen was incredibly agile when hopping from branch to branch. She was also very curious and playful. She liked to sit under the misters in warm weather and bathes regularly in her toucan-sized bathtub. Carmen was my well-behaved frequent flying companion, fitting perfectly under the seat in front of me in the passenger cabin and meeting FAA requirements of the time. 

For more information on toucans, visit Emerald Forest Bird Gardens. 

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