THE ARIEL TOUCAX. 



Ramphastos Ariel, Vig. 



We have here a fine example of a family of birds 

 remarkable for the singularity of their forms and the 

 brilliancy of their plumage. By the structure of their 

 toes, which are partially zygodactyle (the intermediate 

 ones being turned forwards, and the two lateral ones 

 most commonly taking the opposite direction), they 

 evince a close affinity to the typical families of the 

 Scansorial tribe of Perchers, with which they have 

 usually been associated. But the enormous size of 

 their bills, as well as some peculiarities in their habits, 

 also connect them with the Hornbills, and indicate the 

 point of contact between the two great tribes of which 

 these families respectively form part. 



The essential character of the Toucans consists in 

 their bill, which is generally as deep at its base as the 

 head itself, and of even greater breadth. It is uniformly 

 of considerable length, in some species equalling that of 



