RHAMPHASTIDAE 



455 



the colonists and natives, the latter using their plumage to deco- 

 rate their bows or their persons, while the beaks make convenient 

 powder-flasks. They are easily tamed, and become amusing pets. 

 The various forms extend throughout the forests of Tropical America 

 down to the mangrove swamps of the coast, some occurring at an 

 altitude of from six thousand to ten thousand feet on the moun- 

 tains ; northwards Mhamphastus carinatus, Pteroglossus torquatus, 



Fig. 94. — Ariel Toucan. Rhamphastus arid. 



AulacorhampJms prasinus, and A. wagleri reach South Mexico ; 

 southwards, Mamphastus toco ranges to Argentina; but westwards 

 no species crosses the Andes south of the Gulf of Guayaquil. They 

 are not represented in the Antilles, though Rhamphastus vitellinus 

 extends to Trinidad. Dr. Sclater ^ recognises five genera, comprising 

 fifty-nine species, the majority inhabiting Amazonia and Guiana. 

 The genus Bhamphastus contains fourteen members, with 

 1 Cat Birds Brit. Mus. xix. 1891, pp. 122-160. 



