178 SCANSORES. RHAMPHASTID.^E. 



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FAMILY I. RHAMPHASTID^:. 



(Toucans.) 



The great development of the beak in the 

 Family with which we dismissed the Passerine 

 Order, prepared us for its size and somewhat 

 similar structure in the Toucans. They too are 

 large birds, which have the beak of great size, 

 this organ in the typical genus being nearly as 

 large and as long as the body itself : internally it 

 is very cellular, being permeated by a very thin 

 and fragile network of bony fibres ; hence it is 

 exceedingly light, and is borne with so much ease 

 and grace as entirely to remove the idea of un- 

 couthness which those are apt to attach to it who 

 have seen it only in figures or in stuffed specimens. 

 The mandibles are both curved downwards to the 

 tip, which is somewhat acute, the ridge is com- 

 monly rounded, the edges of both mandibles are 

 regularly notched at wide intervals. The tongue 

 is long, slender, and barbed on each side, so as 

 to resemble a narrow feather, the beards directed 

 forwards. The wings are short and rounded ; the 

 tail long and broad. The feet, though yoke-toed, 

 seem to be rather adapted for grasping than 

 climbing, and much resemble those of the Cuckoos. 



The jRhamphastidie are confined to the tropical 

 parts of continental America, where they reside in 

 the depth of the magnificent forests, associating in 

 small flocks, which are said frequently to include 

 several distinct species. They feed on the eggs 

 and nestlings of small birds, on fruits, and also on 

 insects. Their motions are light and elegant to 



