piciD^. 267 



on the tail. They feed on bulbous roots, as well as on fruit and 

 grain. The NestorincB have the upper mandible more lengthened 

 than in any other Parrots, the tail square, of moderate length, with 

 the tips of the shafts bare. Their plumage is dingy ; and, in many 

 respects, they approach the black Cockatoos, but are placed by 

 Bonaparte among the true Parrots. 



The PsitfacincB are chiefly distinguished by their short and even 

 tail. They have a moderately lengthened, strong bill, and grade on 

 one side towards the Cockatoos, and on the other towards the 

 Lories. They are found in both continents, many in Africa 

 (among others the well known Grey Parrot), and in S. America ; 

 a few also in the Eastern Islands. 



The Maccaws comprise two groups ; one the true Maccaws, 

 of very large size and with long tails and gorgeous plumage, 

 some of them blue and yellow, others red and blue, &c. ; the other, 

 Conurus, smaller, more like PalcBornis, and usually green, with 

 various markings. 



Fam. PiciD^, Woodpeckers. 



Bill moderate or long, straight, angular, wedge-like ; tongue long, 

 extensile ; wings moderate, or rather long ; tail of twelve feathers, 

 ten of them with the shafts thick and stiff, the outermost pair 

 minute ; feet with the toes in pairs ; one toe sometimes wanting. 



The Woodpeckers are a well known group of birds, distributed 

 all over the world, except in Australia and Polynesia. Most of 

 them are more or less crested. Their plumage is varied, some 

 black and white, others green, some rufous or bay, and a few 

 golden-yellow. The male is almost always distinguished by a 

 crimson crest, or tuft, or cheek-stripe. Their bill is long, or 

 moderate, usually straight, more or less conic, and compressed 

 towards the tip, which is often truncated, the sides generally with 

 raised narrow and angular, ridge sometimes smooth and rounded. 

 The nostrils are, in some, concealed by tufts of hairs, in others 

 almost apert. The wings are moderate, long in some, always broad 

 and firm in their texture ; the 4th and 5th quills being usually the 

 lono-est ; the tail is generally wedge-shaped ; the two central feathers 

 beinrr more or less elongated, and the stems very strong, stiff, and 



