Toucan Bills

Ian Dunn · 589064. Fri Jul 24, 2009 8:31 am

Scientists have discovered why toucans have such big bills - its to regulate body temperature.

In thesame way elephants have big ears to keep cool, the toucan, which has the biggest bill of any bird relative to its body size, also uses its big bill to keep cool.

Story from the BBC

zomgmouse · 589070. Fri Jul 24, 2009 8:43 am

I wonder if this is the same for pelicans' beaks and giraffes' necks, and indeed any animal with disproportionately large features.

Ian Dunn · 589076. Fri Jul 24, 2009 8:48 am

I think that is an experiment you'll have to conduct yourself.

zomgmouse · 589083. Fri Jul 24, 2009 8:55 am

I know, I'll breed a toucan-elephant hybrid and keep it as my central heating and cooling system. Toucaphant™ will be in a store near you (or more likely I will be in an asylum near you) very soon. Keep an eye out (for headlines).

Ian Dunn · 589089. Fri Jul 24, 2009 8:59 am

I'll bare it all in mind.

suze · 589096. Fri Jul 24, 2009 9:07 am

Ian Dunn · 589105. Fri Jul 24, 2009 9:17 am

It could be worse. I could bear it in mind and develop a cooling system powered by polar bears.

CB27 · 589152. Fri Jul 24, 2009 12:03 pm

With this recession, can the Toucans afford their heating bills?

Ameena · 589183. Fri Jul 24, 2009 2:25 pm

The tails on rodents are used for heat regulation too. I've read that on rats it's something like...ohh what was it...about 17% or something. That is, about 17% of heat is lost through the tail, and rats with no tails can overheat more easily.
It was years ago I read that, and I can't remember where, so the figure might be a bit off.

Bondee · 589219. Fri Jul 24, 2009 4:04 pm

Sadurian Mike · 589333. Sat Jul 25, 2009 1:38 am

Also so that they can fit pigeons in them, something a sparrow would never manage.