BUQEROTIDJE. 209 



another. It is a shy and wary bird, and difficult to 

 approach, except on hot days, when it appears to suffer 

 a good deal from the heat. About 8 or 9 o'clock in 

 the morning it may often be observed quietly resting on 

 the top of a tree ; and it will also perch in such situa- 

 tions at other times when alarmed, but takes its de- 

 parture again on the least sign of danger. It seldom 

 flies far at a time, but if closely pursued extends its 

 flight each time it is dislodged, and thus soon distances 

 its enemy. The flight of this and other Hornbills is 

 not unlike that of a Woodpecker, dipping and rising 

 alternately. 



The present species feeds on flowers, young shoots, 

 berries, birds' eggs, and insects; and, in fact, little comes 

 amiss to it. I have found much gravel in its stomach, 

 and have often flushed it from the ground, to which it 

 resorts for the purpose of picking up sand as well as food. 



The irides are nut-brown ; the legs and toes brown 

 horn-colour; the bill, which is much longer, broader, 

 and stronger in the male than in the female bird, is 

 yellowish red, darkest towards the extremities of the 

 mandibles, which are dark purple, that tint being also 

 sometimes apparent on other parts of the bill as well. 



Average dimensions of fourteen males and of seven 

 females : 



Males. Females, 



in. lin. in. lin. 



Entire length 23 3 21 



Length of folded wing ... 8 10 78 



tarsus 21 20 



middle toe .... 1 8 16 



tail ......94 88 



bill ... 4 10 3 10 



