toucan

Everyday

1. A toucan is a tropical bird from Central and South America with black feathers and a huge, brightly coloured beak. tree →
2. (UK) A toucan crossing is a road crossing with lights that both pedestrians and cyclists can use («two can» cross). tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons about rainforests and adaptations, the toucan's big beak is light because it is hollow inside; it helps the bird reach fruit on thin branches and lose heat to keep cool. Toucans spread seeds through the forest. In UK road safety lessons, a toucan crossing lets bikes and people cross together. Phrases: toco toucan, keel-billed toucan, toucan crossing.

Examples

• The toucan's beak is bright orange and very big. tree →
• A toucan uses its beak to pick fruit. tree →
• Toucans live in the rainforests of South America. tree →
• Although it looks heavy, a toucan's beak is light and hollow. tree →
• The toucan threw a berry up and caught it in its beak. tree →
• Toucans sleep with their beaks tucked under their wings. tree →
• We crossed the road on our bikes at the toucan crossing. tree →
• I painted a toucan with a rainbow beak. tree →

Note

Countable: a toucan, toucans. Pronounced «TOO-kan». Do not confuse with the hornbill of Africa and Asia, which looks similar but is not related. The UK «toucan crossing» is a pun on «two can» (people and bikes), not about birds.