INTRODUCTION. 
Uf the birds illustrated in the present Monograph, so few species had been discovered in 
the days of Linnaeus, that that great naturalist was induced to include them all in one genus, 
under the name of Ramphastos ; hut subsequent research in this branch of ornithological 
science having produced many additional examples, M. llliger has with the greatest propriety 
arranged them under two distinct and well marked genera, applying the established term 
Ramphastos to the true Toucans, characterized by their large bills and square tails, and 
throwing the Ara5aris, having graduated tails and less disproportionate bills, into a new 
genus, which he has denominated Pferoglossus, thus forming from the Swedish naturaUst’s 
limited genus an extensive family, the members of which are strictly allied to each other in 
general form and habits, constitute a group at once natural and well defined, and are no less 
remarkable for the peculiarities of their habits and manners than for their beauty of plumage, 
and in many species, though the enormous size of their bills may seem to contradict such an 
assertion, for the elegance of their form and movements. 
In geographical distribution these birds are strictly confined to the tropical portions of 
America. According to the best information, they are a retiring and shy race, are mostly 
observed in small flocks or companies, and inhabit the dense woods and forests of that luxuriant 
country. 
In their choice of food they are perfectly omnivorous; and although their elastic bill and 
delicately feathered tongue would lead us to conclude that fruits constituted the greatest 
proportion of their diet, we have abundant testimony that they as readily devour flesh, fish, 
eggs, and small birds, to which, in all probabihty, are added the smaller kinds of reptiles, 
caterpillars, and the larvae of insects in general. 
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