CUCKOOS. 
13 
cock, and many other species.* We cannot but con- 
trast this affectionate display of parental feeling with 
the reputed conduct of the European Cuckoo, 
The Grilded Cuckoo ( Cuculus auratus) is an African 
species and abounds in Caffraria and Nainaqua-land. 
Le Yaillant calls it Didric, in reference to its peculiar 
cry. In manner and form it is like our own Cuckoo. 
The female places her eggs in the nests of other birds, 
and if Le Vaillant’s observations may be depeuded on, 
she conveys them to the chosen nests in her beak or 
throat. 
This species is about seven inches long ; the upper 
plumage is a rich glossy green with golden reflections ; 
the head is striped with white stripes, with which also 
the secondary quills and many of the wmg-co verts are 
tipped, the under parts are white. 
i^n approxi- 
mation to the 
increased size 
of bill observed 
in the next 
family is ex- 
hibited in the 
Hornbill Cuc- 
koos ( Groto- 
^yliagince .') The 
bills eiPhani- 
cophceiis (&) 
and Crotophaga {ci) are represented in the cut. 
We now proceed to the second family of the 
Scansores, the Bampliastidce, or Toucans. These birds 
* American Ornithology. 
