544 



AVES— TOUCAN. 



the angles of the mouth to its point, is six inches and a half; and itshreadth 

 in the thickest part is a little more than two. Its thickness near the head is 

 one inch and a quarter ; and it is a little rounded along the upper chap, the 

 under side being rounded also ; the whole of the bill extremely slight, and a 

 little thicker than parchment. The upper chap is of a bright yellow, except 

 on each side, which is of a fine scarlet color ; as is also the lower chap, 

 except at the base, which is purple. Between the head and the bill there is 

 a black line of separation all round the base of the bill; in the upper part 

 of which the nostrils are placed, and are almost covered with feathers, which 

 has occasioned some writers to say, that the toucan has no nostrils. Round 

 the eyes, on each side of the head, is a space of bluish skin, void of feathers, 

 above which the head is black, except a white spot on each side joining to 



the base of the upper chap. The hinder part of the neck, the back, wings, 

 tail, belly, and thighs, are black. The under side of the head, throat, and 

 the beginning of the breast, are white. Between the white on the breast, 

 and the black on the belly, is a space of red feathers, in the form of a new 

 moon, with its horns upwards. The legs, feet, and claws, are of an ash 

 color ; and the toes stand like those of parrots, two before, and two behind. 

 This bird is easily tamed, and will become very familiar, and eat almost 

 any thing offered to it ; in general it feeds on fruits. In its wild state, it is a 

 noisy bird, and is perpetually moving from place to place, in quest of food, 

 going northward or southward, as the fruits ripen. Grapes, however, seem 

 to be one of its most favorite articles of food. If these are plucked from the 

 stalk, one by one, and thrown to it, the toucan will catch them with great 

 dexterity before they fall to the ground. 



