SCANSORLA. 337 
One of them is remarkable for the figure of its tail; Zr. tem- 
nurus, T., Col., 326; and another for the length of the tail co- 
verts, which nearly equals that of the body, Zr. pavonius, T., 
Col. 372; Spix, 35. It is celebrated in the mythology of the 
Mexicans, and much in request among them for ornamental 
purposes. 
CrororHaaa, Lin. 
The Ani(1) are known by their beak, which is thick, compressed, 
arcuated, entire, elevated, and surmounted with a vertical and 
trenchant crest. 
Two species are known, both from the hot and low districts 
of America. Their tarsi are strong and elevated, the tail long 
and rounded, andthe plumage black. Crotophaga major, and 
Croto. ani, Enl. 102, fig. 1 and 2, Vieill. Gal. 43. 
These birds feed on insects and grain, and live in flocks, seve- 
ral 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. 
Rampnastos, Lin.(2) 
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 live in small flocks, feeding on fruit and insects; they also de- 
‘vour other birds’ eggs, and their callow offspring. The structure 
of their beak compels them to swallow their food without mastica- 
tion. ‘When they have seized it, they toss it into the air to swallow 
it with more facility. Their feet are short, and their wings have 
Col. 321;—T. Temminckii, Vaill. 12;—In Africa, Tr. narina, Vaill. Afr. 228, 229, 
and Cour. 10 and 11. 
We may be allowed to doubt if the Z'rogon maculatus, Brown. Ill. XI, be a 
true Couroucou. 
(1) Ani, Anno, names of these birds in Guiana and Brazil. Crorormacus was 
formed by Brown (Nat. Hist. Jamaic.), from the circumstance of the Ani in that 
island flying on the cattle in pursuit of the Tabanus andthe Tick. Kgoroy, musca 
canina. 
(2) Toucan from their Brazilian name T'uca; Rhamphastos, a name inyented by 
Linnzus, from ezuqos, beak, on account of the enormous size of that organ. 
Vor. I.—2S 
