From An Egg To An Adult, This Is How Toco The Toucan Grew Up

Glorious and majestic, the Toco Toucan is a tropical bird. Due to their unique appearance, they are among the most popular and well known birds in the world. Its natural processes remain hidden from humankind, but thanks to Andy Hoo, we get to see how a Toucan is born and raised into the majestic adult.

The baby, appropriately named Toco, was discarded by his parents and Andy, the animal lover that he is, decided that he should be the one who takes care of him. Andy took diligent care and made sure that every stage of the baby bird’s life is recorded on camera.

They start their lives so fragile and small, blind and featherless. Kept in a well heated incubator, the bird slowly starts opening its eyes and develops its dark plumage. By then, he is as big as Andy’s palm! At day 33, Toco already has most of his feathers and gets his ID claw tag, but his beak is still small.

Soon, he starts recognizing Andy as his carer and jumps on his palm when he calls for him, which is super adorable! At day 44, Toco the Toucan is still a baby, but he now looks like a full grown bird! Isn’t he amazing?

Toucans are native to the Neotropics, from Southern Mexico, through Central America, into South America south to northern Argentina. They mostly live in the tropics, but the montane species from the genus Andigena reach temperate climates in the Andes and can be found up to the tree line.