Costa Rican Toucan

This keel-billed toucan has a large and colorful bill that averages about one-third of its length. While the bill seems large and cumbersome, it is in fact a spongy, hollow bone covered in keratin, a very light and hard protein. This surprisingly dexterious bill allows the toucan to utilize a large variety of fruit. When eating it, it uses its bill to dissect the fruit, and then tosses its head back to swallow the fruit whole.

Pastel on UArt pastel paper • 9 x 12 inches • Framed Price $1,400