INTRODUCTION.

OF the birds illustrated in the present Monograph, so few species had been discovered in
the days of Linnzus, that that great naturalist was induced to include them all in one genus,
under the name of Ramphastos; but subsequent research in this branch of ornithological
science having produced many additional examples, M. Illiger 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 Aracaris, having graduated tails and less disproportionate bills, into a new
genus, which he has denominated Pteroglossus, thus forming from the Swedish naturalist'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 probability, are added the smaller kinds of reptiles,

caterpillars, and the larva of insects in general.

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