43 



POLOPHILUS. COUCAL. 



Generic Character. 



Rostrum robustum, subin- 

 curvatum. 



Nares rectae, elongatae. 



Pedes simplices; digitis du- 

 obus anticis, exteriore lon- 

 giore : digitis duobus pos- 

 ticis, interne breviore un- 

 gue longissimo instructo. 



Beak strong, slightly incurv- 

 ed. 



Nostrils strait, elongate. 



Feet simple ; two toes point- 

 ing forward, the exterior 

 of which is the longest; 

 two toes turning backwards, 

 the interior toe furnished 

 with a very long claw. 



TThE tail of the birds belonging to this genus 

 consists of ten feathers ; the wings are short and 

 rounded ; the feathers of the neck and upper 

 part of the body are generally stiff with shining 

 edges. They were first named Coucal by Le 

 Vaillant, who was well acquainted with the dif- 

 ference of character which distinguishes this 

 genus from the true Cuculu 



The Coucals in general form a most beautiful 

 tribe of birds ; they reside in woods, feed on in- 

 sects and fruits; they construct their nests in 

 trees, and (contrary to the manners of Cuckows,) 

 bring up their young, from whence their generic 

 name is derived. 



