574 



PICARIAN BIRDS. 



bone, which forms a ridge beneath it. Measuring nearly 6 inches in length in 

 the larger species, at about 4 inches from its extremity it is obliquely notched 

 on both sides ; these notches becoming deeper and deeper towards the apex, thus 

 giving it a bristly appearance. Kesembling the barbets in having a tufted oil- 

 gland, the toucans also agree with these birds in the presence of ten feathers to 

 the tail. The beak is generally highly coloured ; while frequently the bare face 

 partakes of the same brilliant hues. When asleep, toucans have a curious way of 



THE TOCO TOUCAN ( nat. size). 



carrying the tail, which is turned up over the back, while the enormous beak is 

 buried beneath the scapular feathers. According to Dr. Sclater's arrangement, 

 toucans may be divided into five genera; namely, Rhamphastus with fourteen, 

 Andigena with six, Pteroglossus with eighteen, Selenidera with seven, and 

 Aulacorhamphus with fourteen species ; the number of toucans now known 

 thus being fifty -nine. According to the account of Prince Maxmilian, "these 

 birds are very common in all parts of the extensive forests of the Brazils, 

 and are killed in great numbers at the cooler portion of the year, for the 

 purposes of the table. To the stranger they are of even greater interest than 



