Birds of Paraguay. 



9.7K 



matter, while others are nearly covered with it. The measure- 

 ments are: axis 15 to 1*75 inches; diameter 1*1 to 1*3. 



[The nests were usually built in large trees standing 

 alone in the camp. Their presence was often made known by 

 some of the eggs falling to the ground, owing to the large 

 number laid in the nest, which is by no means fit to carry 

 them, as it is a loosely constructed affair. 



The species is resident and common. This and the Croto- 

 phaya often commingle together in one flock, sometimes up 

 to fifty individuals. 



The favourite hunting-ground is along the edge of the 

 monte and about open camp. — W . F.~\ 



59. Rhamphastus dicolorus. 



Rhamphastos dicolorus Linn. Syst. Nat. i. p. 152 (17GG : 

 Cayenne) ; Berlepsch, J. f. 0. 1887, p. 121 (Paraguay); Sclater, 

 Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xix. p. 133 ; Ihering, Revista Mus. 

 Paulista, vi. p. 334. 



Tucai Azara, Apuut. i. p. 239. no. li. (1802). 



a. <$ ad. Sapucay, March 29, 1904. 



Bill pea-green, with a yellowish tinge ; tarsi and feet sky- 

 blue ; iris greenish white. 



b. $ ad. Sapucay, June 29, 1904. 



c. J ad. „ August 17, 1904. 



[A fairly common bird along the summit of the hills at 

 Sapucay, where it is generally met with in small flocks 

 of about half a dozen individuals. Noisy and pugnacious, 

 it seems to have things all its own way when feeding, no 

 other bird being allowed to approach. 



Taken young these fine birds can be easily reared, and it 

 is amusing to see large dogs slink away Avhen a bird makes 

 a drive at them with the huge bill opened wide. 



Their food is generally fruit, but I think that many cater- 

 pillars are devoured as well, and in captivity individuals 

 evince a decided partiality for meat. 



Rhamphastus toco Gm. is not uncommon in the southern 

 part of the Republic, but seldom comes north through 

 Central Paraguay. In this district I have rarely met 



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