Pronunciation: [tˈuːkən] (IPA) 
The word "toucan" is spelled with a "c" at the end, rather than a "k", as some might expect. This is because "toucan" is derived from the Portuguese word "tucano", which ends in a "c". The phonetic transcription of "toucan" is /tuːˈkæn/, with the stress on the first syllable. The "ou" represents the long "oo" sound, while the "a" represents the short "a" sound. The final "n" is pronounced softly, almost as an "ng" sound.
A toucan is a colorful and distinctive tropical bird belonging to the family Ramphastidae. Known for its vibrant, large beak, the toucan is native to the rainforests of Central and South America. It is recognized for its unique appearance, with a hefty body, short wings, and a long tail.
The most striking feature of the toucan is its oversized beak, which can often be longer than its body. This bill is usually brightly colored, with various hues of yellow, orange, green, or red. The function of the beak extends beyond its aesthetic appeal; it is incredibly lightweight and allows the bird to reach fruit on branches that are otherwise out of its reach. Moreover, the beak acts as a cooling mechanism, aiding thermoregulation in hot climates.
Toucans are primarily frugivorous, meaning their diet consists mainly of fruits. Their large bills enable toucans to pluck and consume a wide variety of fruits, providing them with essential nutrients. Additionally, they feed on insects, small reptiles, and eggs on occasion.
These birds are highly social and usually live in small flocks in their natural habitat. Toucans are excellent climbers and possess agile movements in trees, employing their strong beaks to hop between branches. While they are not known for their vocalizations, they can produce a variety of calls, including croaks, squawks, and clattering noises.
Due to their stunning appearance and unique characteristics, toucans have gained popularity as symbols of tropical biodiversity. They have become iconic birds in popular culture, frequently depicted in various forms of art, advertising, and media.
A bird of tropical Amer., remarkable for the large size of its bill; in astron., a small constellation.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "toucan" originated from the Portuguese word "tucano". The exact etymology of "tucano" is uncertain, but it is believed to have been derived from the Tupi language, which was spoken by indigenous people in Brazil. In Tupi, the word "tucano" referred specifically to the bird we now call the toucan.
