There is no bird more vibrant than a toucan, and the perfect toucan tattoo is one that embodies all its beauty. A toucan tattoo is bursting with color and life, which takes it a level above all other bird ink.

Toucan tattoos most often showed up on the arms of fisherman and sailors but are now popping up on everyone.

Toucans carry an air of spirituality and inspiration, so this tattoo is perfect as a metaphor for life. As animals are often used to hallmark certain stages in our lives, toucans are particularly used to mark moments of confidence and maturity. In general, bird tatts are usually symbols for freedom, and lots of guys get toucans as symbols of pride, as a toucan begs to be seen.

A little more fancy than the also popular eagle tattoo, the toucan’s contrasting black body gives the animal a sleek look. Found mainly in the tropics of the Americas, toucans are regal representatives of their native lands — with close to forty species to choose from.

These stunning birds are awe-inspiring and the idea here is to highlight the colors in its bill, especially if you go for a detail-heavy design. Another common style for a toucan tattoo is one that showcases patterns or symbols native to the tribes, and is still as striking in black and grey. The intricacies of the detail makes up for the absence of color and adds that element of mystique the bird already commands.