BLOG 11...: The Toucan's Beak

A poor flier, the toucan of Central and South America moves about primarily by hopping. The sound produced by some species is similar to that of a frog, but it is louder. In fact, it could be heard up to half a mile away in the jungle. Perhaps what amazes the scientists most about the toucan, though, is its beak. The beak on some toucans is aver a third of the bird’s length. It looks heavy but it is not. The surface is made of keratin, the same material in finger nails and hair. It is actually many layers of tiny hexagonal plates, overlapping like shingles on a roof. The consistency of the toucan’s beak has been compared to that of a hard sponge. Some parts of it are hallow, while other parts are made up of beams and membranes. The result is a lightweight beak that has astounding strength. It’s almost as if the toucan has a deep knowledge of mechanical engineering. The construction of the toucan’s beak enables the bird to absorb high impacts. Scientists believe that the beak can serve as a model engineers in the aviation and automotive industries. Panels that mimic toucan beaks may offer better protection to motorists involved in crashes.