442 REPTILES AND BIRDS. 
into the throat, and swallow it in one piece. If it is too large, and 
impossible to divide, they reject it. They are rarely seen on the 
ground, and although their flight is heavy and difficult, they perch 
on the branches of the highest trees, where they remain in ceaseless 
motion. Their call is a sort of whistle, frequently uttered. Very 
timid, they are approached with difficulty. During the breeding 
Tig. 170 —Common Toucan. Tig. 171.—Curl-crested Aracari. 
season they attack the weakest birds of their own race, chase them 
from their nests, and devour the eggs or nearly-hatched young ones. 
They build their nests in holes hollowed out by Woodpeckers or 
other birds. They all have very brilliant plumage, and inhabit 
Paraguay, Brazil, and Guiana. 
This family is divided into Toucans, properly speaking, and the 
Aracaris. These are distinguished from the former by their much less 
size, more solid beak, and longer tail. The most beautiful species of 
the family is Cuvier’s Toucan (Rhamphastos Cuvier’). The beautiful 
