There are approximately 40 known species of toucans. They are classified in the same genealogical family as the toucanet -- a smaller version of the toucan -- and the aracari -- which has a differently shaped beak, and is smaller than the toucan.

The toucan's beak is its most prominent feature, sometimes as long as its body. Toucans use their beaks for picking berries, for maintaining their territory and for attracting females' attention. The insides of their beaks are shaped like honeycombs, making them strong yet lightweight.

The toucan's body is anywhere from 13 to 25 inches long, slightly longer than their beaks. Their bodies are usually colored with black, white, red, yellow, blue, and green feathers. The toucans are poor fliers because of the size of their beaks, and they rely on hopping from branch to branch in trees.

While different species of toucans vary somewhat in longevity, the average lifespan of a well cared for toucan is at least ten years, and they can live to be approximately 15 years old. The toucanets live a few years more, but the aracaris have shorter life spans.

Toucans, as well as other birds of the same species, are indigenous to tropical America. They are found ranging from southern Mexico throughout South America and its neighboring islands.

By nature, toucans are rain forest dwellers, and live high among the treetops, as high as 9,000 feet. They also tend to be solitary creatures, avoided by other bird species since the toucans fight and kill them if provoked. It is not advisable to house different species of toucans together, as they will kill each other. Even introducing two birds of the same species should be done cautiously.