62 



OP^THUS. TOURACO. 



Generic Character. 



Rostrum breve, supra con- 

 vexum, paulo arcuatum, 

 lateratim compress um, a 

 medio ad apicem denticu- 

 latum. 



Nares plumulis sericeis tec- 

 tae. 



Pedes simplices, digitis duo- 

 bus anticis, duobus posticis. 



Beak short, convex above, 

 rather bent, compressed 

 laterally, and denticulated 

 from the middle to the 

 tip. 



Nostrils covered with short 



silky feathers. 

 Feet simple, with two toes 



before, and two behind. 



TThERE is but one species of this genus known, 

 which is a native of Africa, and one of the most 

 beautiful of the birds that are found in that quar- 

 ter of the globe. It feeds on fruits, is easily 

 tamed ; and is said to be capable of turning its 

 exterior hinder toe either backwards or for- 

 wards. 



