GREY CUCKOO. 443 



orange feathers which cover some of these birds are sometimes em- 

 ployed for ladies' adornments. This fashion has passed from Brazil 

 and Peru into Europe, and muffs made of the throats of Toucans 

 sell at a great price. Fortunately this fashion is dying out. 



The Common Toucan (Rhamphastos ariel, Fig. 170) is very 

 numerous in its habitat, and consequently best known in Europe. 

 The Curl-crested Aracari (Pteroglossus ulocoma, Fig. 171) is deserving 

 of notice on account of its beautiful variegated plumage. 



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 com- 

 prehended Honey-guides, Anis or Annos, Barbets, Trogons, and 

 Touracoes 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 with- 

 out resting. There are a great number of known species belonging 

 to all the countries of the Old World. 



Europe only possesses one species, the Grey or European Cuckoo, 

 which has been carefully studied, and to which what we have to say 

 regarding this group of birds applies. Grey Cuckoos are essentially 

 migratory. They pass the warm season in Europe, and the winter 

 in Africa or in the warm parts of Asia. They arrive in France in the 

 month of April, and leave it at the end of August or the beginning 

 of September. They travel during the night, not in numerous bands, 

 but alone, or in groups of two or three at the most. They prefer 

 to seek their nourishment in woods, avoiding if possible the open 

 country. Their utility cannot be doubted, as insects and caterpillars 

 are their favourite food. They are very voracious, which accounts 

 for the enormous capacity of their stomachs. Of a tyrannical nature, 

 they suffer no rival of their species in the neighbourhood which they 

 have chosen. On account of this unsociable disposition, the Grey 

 Cuckoos, when captured after attaining maturity, are unable to 

 accommodate themselves to confinement, so starve themselves to 

 death.* Young birds are less restive, and gradually accustom 



* More probably starve to death, as they cannot in confinement obtain the 

 animal food to which they have become necessitated through previous use. ED. 



