122 RHAMPHASXrD.i:. 



Family RHAMPHASTIDiE. 



(By r. L. SCLATER.) 

 (See vol. x\'iii. p. 1.) 



The Rhamp]K(stidcK constitute a well-marked family of the Scan- 

 sores or Zygodactylous Pkaria, recognizable at first sight by the 

 extraordinary shape and size of the bill, in which respect they are 

 rivalled only by the Anisodactylous Bv.cerotida; of the Paloeogean 

 Tropics. This organ (which has been elaborately described by Sir 

 E. Owen in Gould's 'Monograph') presents a remarkable combina- 

 tion of great bulk with sufficient strength and extraordinarj' light- 

 ness. The interior of the cavity in both mandibles is occupied by 

 a fine network of bony fibres, arranged so as to give great strength 

 to the external parietes without much weight. The development 

 of the bill is carried to its greatest extent in typical Itlimnpliastos, 

 and gradually decreases in the less normal forms. 



The tongue of the lihamphastidfe (also well described by Sir E. 

 Owen) is likewise peculiar. The anterior portion consists of a long, 

 narrow, thin lamina, flattened horizontally, and supported by the 

 anterior process of the hyoid bone, which forms a ridge beneath it. 

 It measures nearly six inches in length in the larger species. At 

 about four inches from its extremity it is obliquely notched on both 



Trimcated vomer of Ehamjjhasfos arid, with posterior parts of palatines. 

 (From P. Z. S. 1878. p. 933.) 



sides, and these notches become deeper and deeper towards the apex, 

 giving it a strongly bristled appearance. 



As in the Captitonidce, in which family these birds have their 



