Toucans

There are seven different species of toucans in Costa Rica. The blue-throated green macaw, the leek macaw, the fire-beak macaw, the yellow-eared macaw, the sea-billed macaw, the collared macaw, and the Swainson’s toucan. The latter three are the most common in Costa Rica. What is surprising is that all these toucans look quite different; from the size of the body to the different colors of the plumage. What they all have in common, however, is the oversized and lightweight beak which is actually four times larger than its head.

The beak not only shines beautifully and in all colors but it also cools the toucan. Depending on the outside temperature, the toucan can decide how much blood flows through its beak and thus pump more blood through its non-insulated beak when the outside temperature is high. As a result, it emits heat through its beak and does not overheat or freeze so quickly when outside temperatures are low. 

Researchers suspect the beak is used for self-defense, finding a partner and as a recognition feature since each toucan has an individual beak color. In order not to attract uninvited guests with this conspicuous beak, the toucan rests its beak on its back when it sleeps and folds its tail over its head so that it can only be recognized as a black or green ball of feathers.