South & Central America: Early 19th century hand-painted illustration of various species of Toucan

The Toucan is a colorful, gregarious forest bird found from Mexico to Argentina, known for its enormous and colorful bill. They have red, yellow, blue, black or orange plumage, often in vivid patterns, and feed on fruit and berries. They nest in holes in trees, laying 2-4 glossy white eggs that are incubated by both parents.

In Central and South America, the Toucan is associated with evil spirits, and can be the incarnation of a demon. But the Toucan can also be a tribal totem and indigenous medicine men can use it as an incarnation to fly to the spirit world.

Paintings from: 'Natural History of Birds of Paradise and Rollers, Toucans and Barbus' - François Levaillant, Jacques et al Barraband, Paris, 1806.

Copyright:

Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Credit:

Pictures From History