Chap. V. 



CURL-CRESTED TOUCAN. 



343 



had stolen him, and which was situated at the further 

 end of the village. 



The Curl-crested Toucan (Pteroglossus Beauhar- 

 naisii). — Of the four smaller Toucans or Arassaris found 

 near Ega, the Pteroglossus flavirostris is perhaps the 

 most beautiful in colours, its breast being adorned with 

 broad belts of rich crimson and black ; but the most 

 curious species, by far, is the Curl-crested, or Beauhar- 

 nais Toucan. The feathers on the head of this singular 



mm 





Curl-crested Toucan. 



bird are transformed into thin, horny plates, of a lus- 

 trous black colour, curled up at the ends, and resem- 

 bling shavings of steel or ebony wood : the curly crest 

 being arranged on the crown in the form of a wig. 

 Mr. Wallace and 1 first met with this species, on ascend- 

 ing the Amazons, at the mouth of the Solimoens ; 

 from that point it continues as a rather common bird 

 on the terra firma, at least on the south side of the 

 river, as far as Fonte Boa, but I did not hear of its 

 being found further to the west. It appears in large 



