The fascinating story of the iconic Toucan

Toucans are colorful and iconic birds native to the tropical forests of Central and South America. They evolved from a common ancestor with woodpeckers about 50 million years ago, developing their unique beak over time. The beak is actually very light despite its impressive size, allowing toucans to feed on fruit and grasp small prey. Toucans have been revered by indigenous populations for centuries, with the Aztecs believing they were messengers between gods and humans, and the Maya considering them symbols of fertility and prosperity. Today, toucans are threatened by deforestation and illegal hunting, but efforts are being made to protect them and their habitat.