THE WORLD'S BIRDS. 



165 



Toucans {Rhamphastidce). 



Diagnosis. — Pair -toed birds of medium size, with 

 enormous beaks, curved in profile. 



Size. — From that of a rook to that of a missel-thrush. 



FoRM.^Bill enormous, curved in profile, with nostrils 

 at the very base, and corner of mouth reaching 

 to front of eye ; feet with short strong shanks, 

 and fourth toe as well as first turned back, so that 

 the toes are in two pairs ; wings short ; tail rather 



Head and foot (from the inside) of large Toucan. 



long, rounded or wedge-shaped ; head large. 



Tongue long, and fringed at the edges. 

 Plumage. — Brightly coloured ; black or green, with 



contrasting patches of yellow and red, as a rule. 



A bare patch round eyes, usually brightly tinted, 



asis also the enormous bill. Sexes alike or different ; 



young like adults. 

 Young. — Naked, and fed by parents ; the bill has not 



nearly attained its full size when they are fledged. 

 Nest. — A hole in a tree. 

 Eggs. — Two ; white and glossy. 

 Food. — Fruit and small animals, 



