RAINFOREST TOUCAN DRAWINGS

Here are drawings of toucans by St. Mary Magdalene School fourth-graders. Toucans are a rainforest icon. They're big, colorful birds, with huge beaks. Scientists are not really sure why their beaks are so big, but it probably related to the way they eat. (Read more and see photos of toucans.) Most of the pictures here are of the white-throated toucan, the biggest species.

This drawing by Stephanie shows a white-throated toucan sitting on branch next to some flowers. The two uppermost flowers might be orchids. There is also a bromeliad plant on the side of the tree. Stephanie says, "I love learning about the rainforest."

Jackson drew this white-throated toucan as though it has just swallowed something. When they eat and then swallow, toucans throw their head in the air, pointing their beak to the sky to help swallow whatever it is they have eaten. Toucans, like every other bird, cannot chew their food so sometimes the morsel might be a bit big to swallow easily. Jackson wrote, "I realy wish I could come with you to the rainforest."

Bobby's drawing shows a white-throated toucan reaching out to pluck a tasty fruit. Scientists believe one use of the big beak is to get fruits that would otherwise be out of reach on the ends of branches.