[Case 61. ] 
92 BIRD GALLERY. 
abyssinicus) (1188) is almost omnivorous, devouring small mammals, 
reptiles, and all kinds of insects, and sometimes uniting with its fellows 
to attack and kill large snakes, against which they advance in company. 
The Bucerotine including ail the remaining species, about sixty in 
number, are characterised by their comparatively short legs suited to their 
arboreal habits. ‘They frequent dense forest and tall jungle, but at 
times descend to the ground to bathe, and dig up the loose soil with 
their bills. The food consists chiefly of fruit and berries; but small 
mammals, reptiles, and even fish are sometimes eaten. 
The different genera are chiefly characterised by the shape of the 
casque, which varies greatly in form, and in some cases is very slightly 
developed. 
The species, as may be seen by the examples shown in the Case, differ 
immensely in size, the Rhinoceros-Hornbill (Buceros rhinoceros) (1189) 
and Homrai (Dichoceros bicornis) (4190) [ Pl. XIX. figs. ce & d| being 
very large birds, while Cassin’s Pigmy Hornbill (£. camurus) (1194) is 
comparatively small. Some species, such as the Rufous-necked Hornbill 
(Aceros nepalensis) (1199) [Figs. a& 6] and the West African Hornbill 
(Ceratogymna atrata) (1208), have the plumage of the sexes entirely 
different in colour, and these, as well as many other forms, are provided 
with large crests. One of the most noteworthy is the Helmet-Hornbill 
(Rhinoplax vigil) (1212), from the Malay countries, with its solid-fronted 
casque (already alluded to) and its unusually long middle tail-feathers. 
The ivory-like part of the casque is much used by Kastern artists for 
carving and making brooches. 
Family XI. Carrimuterpa. Nicutars. (Plate XVII. fig. 2.) 
The Nightjars, or ‘ Goatsuckers ” as they are often called, include a 
large number of species with soft Owl-like plumage ranging over the 
greater part of the world, but apparently absent from the Eastern 
Pacific Islands. They are mostly nocturnal in their habits, feeding on 
insects which are captured on the wing, but some species, such as the 
American Chordiles (1223-4), hawk in the full glare of the sun. The 
ery is generally harsh, aud often loud and distinct, as in the North- 
American “ Whip-poor- Will” (Caprimulgus vociferus) (1219). The two 
beautifully marbled oval eggs are usually laid on the bare ground 
without any nest; and the young, though helpless when first hatched, 
are covered with down, The species of Phalenoptilus are an exception 
to the rule, and lay white eggs like their close allies the Oil-Birds and 
Frog-mouths. 
Two subfamilies are recognised, viz., the Caprimulgine, characterised 
by having the claw of the middle toe pectinate or furnished with a kind 
of comb, and the Nyctibiine, in which the claw of the middle toe is 
