coloured birds, with huge beaks of the
shape of a banana or pacova, are perched, in bands of five or six,
uttering loud, shrill, and yelping cries, having somewhat the
resemblance to "Tocano! tocano! tocano!" Hence the Indians give them
the name from which we derive _toucan_--a bird especially characteristic
of the forests of Tropical America. The Brazilians also call them
"preacher-birds,"--from their habit of lifting up their beaks, and
clattering them together, and shouting hoarsely. One, mounted higher
than the rest, acts either as the leader of the inharmonious chorus, or
does the duty of sentinel. He keeps a bright look-out on every side,
and as danger approaches, gives a warning cry, when his companions
stretch their necks downwards in an inquisitive manner, to ascertain
what foe is below; and on espying the least movement among the foliage,
fly off to a distance.

Sometimes the whole flock, including the sentinel, set up simultaneously
a deafening loud yell, which can be heard a mile off, and serves to lead
the hunter to their haunts. They are said also to mob any strange bird
which gets among them, surrounding it, and shrieking at it in whichever
way it turns; so that it sees itself surrounded on all sides by huge
snapping bills, and long tails bobbing regularly up and down with
threatening gestures, till it is seized by its foes or manages to make
its escape.

It seems wonderful at first sight that any creature should be encumbered
with so huge a beak; but the toucan knows well how to use it. Though of
great size, it is of light structure, and serrated at the edges. In
some species it attains to a length of seven inches, and a width of more
than two inches. It assists the bird in climbing the branches of the
trees on which he lives, and from which he never willingly descends to
the ground. It enables him to seize the large fruits and small birds
which serve him for food; and enables him to chew the cud--his huge
tooth-bill being useful in holding and re-masticating the food.

As the flowers and fruits which crown the large trees of the forest grow
principally towards the end of slender twigs, which would not bear his
weight; and as he has a heavy body, with feeble organs of flight, he
cannot seize his food on the wing. He therefore sits on some opposite
branch, eyeing the fruit which he thinks will suit his taste, and then
darting off, seizes a mouthful, and returns to his perch.

Though their ge