Mary Allen
How Many Species of Toucan Birds Are There?
Toucans are colorful and charismatic birds that are widely recognized for their oversized bills. Many people associate them with the tropics, where they inhabit the rainforests of Central and South America. However, few people know how many species of toucans exist in the world. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), there are about 40 species of toucans, spread across five genera. These genera include Ramphastos, Andigena, Selenidera, Pteroglossus, and Aulacorhynchus.
A Brief History of Toucan Classification
The classification of toucans has undergone significant changes over time. Initially, all toucans belonged to the genus Ramphastos, which included about 40 species. However, as the study of toucans progressed, scientists began to realize that there were significant differences between the various species. These differences were based on a range of characteristics, including physical appearance, ecological niche, and genetic makeup. As a result, toucans were reclassified into different genera, based on these differences. Today, there are five recognized genera of toucans, each with its unique set of species.