TOUCANS. 237 



FAMILY I. 

 THE TOUCANS. RAMPHASTID/E.* 



General Characteristics.— Bill much prolonged, broad at the base, with the cul- 

 men curved, the sides compressed to the tip, and the lateral margins more or less 

 serrated. 



The Toucans are remafkable for the great development of their 

 bill, which is sometimes nearly as large as the bird itself The 

 general form of the beak is very similar to that prevailing in the 

 hornbills, but usually less tapering towards its extremity. It is 

 also destitute of those remarkable protuberances which give 

 some of the hornbills such a singular aspect. As in the hornbill, 

 however, the substance of the beak is cellular or spongy ; so 

 that, notwithstanding its apparently unwieldy bulk, it is too light 

 to present any obstacle to the tolerably active movements of 

 its possessor. The margins of both mandibles are denticulated 

 throughout their length, and the curved tip of the bill is ordina- 

 rily sharp. The tongue in these birds is even more remarkable 

 than the bill, being shaped exactly like a feather. A strong car- 

 tilaginous stalk runs up the centre, bordered on each side with 

 long and slender barbs, placed close together, and increasing in 

 length as they approach the extremity of this singular tongue. 

 The Indians of South America attribute extraordinary virtues to 

 this feather-like organ, and employ it as a remedy in various dis- 

 eases. The tarsi are short, but terminated by long and powerful 

 toes ; and the proportions of the legs and feet adapt the toucans 

 but badly for moving on the ground, where they cannot walk, but 

 hop along with a very awkward gait. The toucans are exclu- 

 sively inhabitants of the warmer regions of South America, 

 where they abound in many parts of the forests. They are usu- 

 ally seen in small flocks, hopping from branch to branch of the 

 highest trees. They are shy and cautious in their habits, and 

 feed principally upon fruits, especially bananas, which they swal- 

 low whole. They do not migrate, but wander about, making 

 their appearance in greater numbers in certain districts where 

 some favourite food happens to be ripe. Fruits, however, are not 

 their only diet ; they feed freely upon animal substances, killing 

 and devouring small birds and reptiles, plundering the nests of 



* pafKpd^oiiai, ramphazomai, io have a beak. 



