138 AVES. 



TnocoN, Linnceits. 



The Coin-oitcoui, along with the hairy fasciculi of the barbels, have a short 

 beak, which is more broad than high, and curved from the 

 base, its upper ridge arcuated and blunt. Their small feet, 

 feathered nearly down to the toes, long broad tail, fine light 

 and dense plumage, give them quite a different air. Some 

 part of their plumage usually has a metallic lustre, the remainder being 

 coloured more or less vividly. They build in hollow trees, live on insects, 

 and remain in a solitary and quiet mood on low branches in the centre 

 of marshy forests, never being seen on the wing except during the morning 

 and evening. They are found in both continents. 



CROTOPHAGA, Linnceus. 



The Ani are known by their beak, which is tliick, compressed, arcuated, 

 entire, elevated, and surmounted with a vertical and trenchant crest. 



Two species are known, Cratophaga major and Crulo uni, both from the hot 

 and low districts of America. Their tarsi are strong and elevated, the tail long 

 and rounded, and the plumage black. 



These birds feed on insects and grain, and live in flocks, several couples 

 laying their eggs, and even brooding over them in the same nest, which, 

 together with the branches that support it, is of a size proportioned to the 

 number of couples that have constructed it. They are easily tamed, and may 

 be taught to speak, but their flesh has a disagreeable odour. 



RAMPHASTOS, Linnaeus. 



The Toucans are easily distinguished from all other birds by their enormous 

 beak, which is almost as thick and as long as their body, 

 light and cellular internally, arcuated near the end, and 

 irregularly indented along its edges; and by their long, 

 narrow, and ciliated tongue. They are confined to the 

 hot climates of America, where they li ve in small flocks, feeding on fruit and 

 insects ; they also devour other birds' eggs, and their callow offspring. The 

 structure of their beak compels them to swallow their food without mastication. 

 When they have seized it, they toss it into the air to swallow it with more 

 facility. 



PSITTACUS, Linnceus. 



The Parrots have a stout, hard, solid beak, rounded on all sides and enve- 

 loped at base by a membrane in which the nostrils are 

 pierced, and a thick, fleshy, and rounded tongue ; two 

 circumstances which give them the greatest facility 

 in imitating the human voice. Their inferior larynx* 

 which is complicated and furnished on each side with 

 Head of a Paroquet. its three muscles, also contributes to this facility. Their 

 vigorous jaws are set in motion by a greater number of 

 muscles than is found in any other birds. They feed on all sorts of fruit, 



