Family I. Rhamphastidæ.
(Toucans.)
The great development of the beak in the Family with which we dismissed the Passerine Order, prepared us for its size and somewhat similar structure in the Toucans. They too are large birds, which have the beak of great size, this organ in the typical genus being nearly as large and as long as the body itself: internally it is very cellular, being permeated by a very thin and fragile network of bony fibres; hence it is exceedingly light, and is borne with so much ease and grace as entirely to remove the idea of uncouthness which those are apt to attach to it who have seen it only in figures or in stuffed specimens. The mandibles are both curved downwards to the tip, which is somewhat acute, the ridge is commonly rounded, the edges of both mandibles are regularly notched at wide intervals. The tongue is long, slender, and barbed on each side, so as to resemble a narrow feather, the beards directed forwards. The wings are short and rounded; the tail long and broad. The feet, though yoke-toed, seem to be rather adapted for grasping than climbing, and much resemble those of the Cuckoos.
The Rhamphastidæ are confined to the tropical parts of continental America, where they reside in the depth of the magnificent forests, associating in small flocks, which are said frequently to include several distinct species. They feed on the eggs and nestlings of small birds, on fruits, and also on insects. Their motions are light and elegant to
