CUCKOOS. 



469 



which they enclose. They build their nests in holes hollowed 

 out by AVoodpeckers or other birds. They all have very brilliant 

 plumage, and inhabit Para- 

 guay, Brazil, and Guiana. 



This family is divided into 

 Toucans, properly speaking, 

 and the Aracaris. These are 

 distinguished from the former 

 bv their much less size, more 

 solid beak, and longer tail. 

 The most beautiful species of 

 the family is the Brazilian 

 Toucan, described by Hum- 

 boldt under the name of Yel- 

 low Toucan (Fig. 191). The 

 beautiful orange feathers 

 which cover this bird are 

 sometimes employed for ladies' dress. This fashion has jDassed 

 from Brazil and Peru into Europe, and muffs made of the throats 

 of Toucans sell at a great price. 



Y\z- 191. — Yellow Tniican iPteroglossus Hum- 

 buidtii, Gould). 



Cuckoos. 



The general characteristic of the birds ranked in this family 

 are — slightly-curved beaks of medium dimensions, wings generally 

 short and concave, and tapering tails. Among the Cuckoos are 

 comprehended Anis, or Annos i^Cotophagus, Briss.), Barbets, 

 Trogons, and Touracos, or Plantain-eaters. Cuckoos have elegant 

 shapes ; beaks almost as long as the head, compressed, and slightly 

 curved ; the tail rather long and rounded. Unlike other birds 

 of the same family, they have long and pointed wings. Their 

 size is about that of the Turtle Dove. Their flight is light and 

 rapid, but they are unable to bear strong winds ; thus they cannot 

 accomplish great journeys without resting. There are a great 

 number of known species belonging to all the countries of the Old 

 Continent. The whole of Africa, South Asia, China, Japan, and 

 certain isles of Oceania are inhabited by Cuckoos. 



Europe only possesses one species, the Grey Cuckoo, which has 



