442 



REPTILES AND BIRDS. 



into the throat, and swallow it in one piece. If it is too large, and 

 impossible to divide, they reject it. They are rarely seen on the 

 ground, and although their flight is heavy and difficult, they perch 

 on the branches of the highest trees, where they remain in ceaseless 

 motion. Their call is a sort of whistle, frequently uttered. Very 

 timid, they are approached with difficulty. During the breeding 



Fig. i ;o —Common Toucan. 



[71. — Curl-crested Ar^cari. 



season they attack the weakest birds of their own race, chase them 

 from their nests, and devour the eggs or nearly-hatched young ones. 

 They build their nests in holes hollowed out by Woodpeckers or 

 other birds. They all have very brilliant plumage, and inhabit 

 Paraguay, Brazil, and Guiana. 



This family is divided into Toucans properly speaking and the 

 Aracaris. These are distinguished from the former by their much less 

 size, more solid beak, and longer tail. The most beautiful species of" 

 the family is Cuvier's Toucan (Rhamphastos Cuvieri). The beautiful 



