304 SCANSOEES. 



very similar to that prevailing in tlie Hornbills^ but 

 usually less tapering towards its extremity. It is 

 also destitute of those remarkable protuberances 

 which give some of the Hornbills such a singular 

 aspect. As in the Hornbilb however, the substance 

 of the beak is cellular or spongy ; so that, notwith- 

 standing its apparently unwieldy bulk, it is too light 

 to present any obstacle to the tolerably active 

 movements of its possessor. The margins of both 

 mandibles are denticulated throughout their length, 

 and the curved tip of the bill is ordinarily sharp. 

 The tongue in these birds is even more remarkable 

 than the bill, being shaped exactly like a feather. 

 A strong cartilaginous stalk runs up the centre, 

 bordered on each side with long and slender barbs, 

 placed close together, and increasing in length as 

 they approach the extremity of this singular tongue. 

 The Indians of South America attribute extraordinary 

 virtues to this feather-like organ, and employ it as a 

 remedy in various diseases. The tarsi are short, but 

 terminated by long and powerful toes ; and the pro- 

 portions of the legs and feet adapt the Toucans but 

 badly for moving on the ground, where they cannot 

 walk, but hop along with a very awkward gait. The 

 Toucans are exclusively inhabitants of the warmer 

 regions of South America, where they abound in 

 many parts of the forests. They are usually seen in 

 small flocks, hopping from branch to branch of the 

 highest trees. They are shy and cautious in their 

 habits, and feed principally upon fruits, especially 

 bananas, which they swallow whole. They do not 

 migrate, but wander about, making their appearance 

 in greater numbers in certain districts where some 

 favourite food happens to be ripe. Fruits, however, 

 are not their only diet ; they feed freely upon animal 

 substances, killing and devouring small birds and 

 reptiles, plundering the nests of other birds of their 

 eggs, and even occasionally making a meal upon 

 fish, worms, and the larvae of insects. 



Even when in motion among the branches of the 



