BIRDS. 



FIG. 366. KEEL-BEAKED TOUCAN. 



FIG. 367. HEAD OF MACAW. 



The Toucans 



(Ramphastos}* are at 

 once distinguished by 

 their enormous beak, 

 which is almost as 

 large and as long as 

 their body; internally 

 it is light and cellular, 

 and at its margin 

 irregularly toothed. 

 Their tongue is long, 

 narrow, and furnished 

 on each side with 

 barbs like a feather. 

 These strangely-con- 

 structed birds inhabit 

 the tropical parts of 

 America; they live in 

 flocks, and feed on 

 fruits and insects. 

 They seek the nests 

 of other birds, and 

 devour their eggs 

 and recently hatched 

 young. When they 

 obtain their prey, 

 they toss it into the 

 air, and catching it 

 as it falls, swallow it 

 whole. 



The Parrots (Psit- 

 tacus) have a large, 

 hard, and solid beak, 

 with the upper man- 

 dible arched and 

 strongly hooked. 

 They climb trees by 

 the aid both of their 

 beak and feet ; their 

 tongue is fleshy and 

 round, and their toes 

 short and strong. 

 They readily become 

 familiar, and some 

 species can be taught 

 to imitate the human 

 voice. The plumage 

 of parrots varies in 

 colour: it is generally 

 remarkable for its 

 clear and vivid tints; 

 frequently green pre- 



j, ramphos, a beak. 



