\ 



Some Toucans. 45 



outwards, on one of his winj^s — 'each moult they were so 

 renewed, and if pulled were reproduced in the same abnormal 

 manner. 



We are again indebted to .Mrs. A. M. Cook for the 

 loan oi the drawings illustrating this article of Rhamphastus 

 cuvicri). In response to my request .Mr. C. F. Leach, who 

 possess a fine specimen of R. ciilminatus a very similar 

 species to cuvicri, has very kindly sent some notes of his 

 bird. 



By C. F. Le.-^ch. F.Z.S. 



Rhamphastus cuvieri and R. culminatus . 



These two species — there are about si.xty species — are 

 almost identical in marking and colouration. The former is 

 much larger :ind has a much longer beak in proportion to its 

 size. 



Both species have the crown of the head, back, wings, 

 abdomen, and tail black; upper tail-coverts lemon-yellowl; 

 under tail-coverts deep orange-scarlet; feet blue-grey. 



The beak of R. cuvieri is almost eight inches long and 

 is a brownish colour, with a pale yellowish line along /the 

 top. The beak of R. culmiinatus is only about four inches 

 long and black with rich mahogany-coloured markings, and a 

 greenish-yellow line along the top. The eye is large and 

 blark, and is surrounded by a naked space of highly coloured 

 bluish-lilac. 



These species are not so noisy as some, particularly 

 R. dicolorus which is one of the commonest and more attract- 

 ive in colour. When alarmed by the presence of strangers 

 they utter sharp, yelping noises which are distracting ; they 

 show no fear of their attendant. When they go toi roost 

 they elevate their tails over their backs. 



These birds are expensive to house and feed ; they 

 usually have good appetites. 



