THE SCVTIIROFS. 



In the study of the " Feathered Tribes," we cannot fail to be struck by remarkable 

 differences. Thus we pass, as in the pi'escnt instance, from the immense and extremely 

 varied family of the Paitticidce to a bird which, in manj- respects, presents a remarkable 

 contrast. What a difference is there, for example, between the beaks of the parrots, 

 and the huge bill of the bird which the engraving now presents (o the eye. In general 

 form, as well as in the tints of its plumage, it is widely dissimilar ; and while they exhibit 

 the wondrous diversity that prevails among parrots, parrakeets, lories, maccaws, and cock- 

 atoos, of the Sci/fhrops only one species is known, which is proper to New Holland. This 

 bird is as large as a crow, whitish, with a gray mantle. It has a large and thick bill, with two 

 slight ridges longitudinally on each side. The bill approximates these birds to the toucans, 

 but the tongue is not ciliated. Round the eyes is naked, and the nostrils are round. 

 The general colour is pale green ; the back, wing, and tail are of a leaden hue. This bird 

 feeds on certain grains and scarabaei. It often extends its tail like a fan, and utters a 

 piercing and almost terrific cry, something like that of the cock when he perceives a bird 

 of prey. These birds are only seen in the morning and the evening, sometimes seven or 

 eight in number, but more usually in pairs. Tliey are of a wild and tierce character, and 

 cannot be tamed. Tliey refuse all food, and peck violently at those who approacli them. 

 Their appearance and cries are said to be a sure indication of approaching wind or stonn. 



• Soyfluops Xoviv llollalidiic. 



