File:The genera of birds (18553928304).jpg

The third Order,
SCANSOEES,*
are at once distinguished by the position of their Toes, which are placed two anteriorly, and two
posteriorly.
The first Family,
RAMPHASTIDiE, or Toucans,
have the Bill much prolonged, broad at base, with the culmen curved, and the sides compressed to the
tip, and the lateral margins more or less serrated.
The only Subfamily,
RAMPHASTINiE, or Toucans,
have the same characters as previously given for the family.
Ramphastos Linn.-f
Bill very long, smooth, and broad at the base, with the culmen rounded and curved to the tip, which
is acute; the sides compressed, and the lateral margins strongly dentated; the nostrils basal, and
concealed by the elevated posterior projection of the culmen. Wings short and rounded, with the first
four quills graduated, and each narrowed at the tip, with the fifth the longest. Tail short, and nearly
even at the end. Tarsi the length of the outer anterior toe, and covered with prominent broad scales.
Toes with the outer pair longest, and nearly equal ; the inner pair unequal ; the claws strong,
compressed, and slightly curved.
These singular birds are found in the tropical parts of South America. They are very shy and cautious, and are
usually observed hopping actively from branch to branch, amid the lofty foliage of the highest trees of the forests.
\ arious fruits, especially the banana, form their chief subsistence ; they will also feed on small reptiles, larva? of insects,

• Zyyoductyli Vieill., Prehensores Blainv.
  

t Linnaeus established this genus in 1744- (Systema Natures'). Bucco of Miehring (1752) and Tucana of Brisson (1760) are coequal