in ornithology, a genus belonging to the order of picae. The beak is convex, cultrated, very large, and ferrated outwards; the fore-head is naked, with a bony gibbosity. The nostrils are behind the base of the beak. The tongue is sharp and short. The feet are of the grefarii kind, i.e., the toes are distinct from each other. There are four species of the buceros, viz. 1. The bicornis, with a flat bony forehead, and two horns before. The body is black, and about the size of a hen; but the breast, belly, and thighs are white. There is a white spot on the wing; the tail is long, with ten black prime feathers, and the four outermost on each are white. The feet are greenish, with three toes before and one behind. It is a native of China, and called calao by Willoughby and other authors. The pied hornbill, described by Mr Latham (Synopsis. Vol. I. p. 349.) from a living specimen which came from the East Indies, the author supposes to be the same species, differing merely in sex or age. In size, it was a trifle bigger than a crow. The manners of this bird were peculiar: it would leap forwards or sideways with both legs at once like a magpie or jay, never walking: when at rest, it folded its head back between the wings: the general air and appearance was rather stupid and dull, though it would sometimes put on a fierce look if at any time it was surprised or the like: it would eat lettuce after bruising it with its bill, and swallow raw flesh; as well as devour rats, mice, and small birds, if given to him: it had different tones of voice on different occasions; sometimes a hoarse sound in the throat, most like ouck, ouck; at other times very hoarse and weak, not unlike the clucking of a Turkey hen. This bird used to display the wings and enjoy itself in a warm sun, but shivered in the cold; and as the winter approached died, unable to bear the severity of the climate, to different to its nature. Another variety, the calao (Phil. Trans. vol. xxiii. p. 394.), is about the size of a hen. It inhabits the Philippine islands, and has a cry more like that of a hog or a calf than of a bird. The Gentoo rank it among their gods, and pay worship to it. It lives altogether in woods, feeding on fruits, such as the Indian fig, also pitlachios, &c. which it swallows whole; and after the external parts have been digested, it brings up the nuts again whole, without the kernels being anywise damaged or unfit for vegetation. 2. The hydrocorax or Indian crow of Ray, has a plain bony fore-head without any horns. The body is yellowish, and blackish below. It inhabits the Molucca islands. Willoughby observes, that it resembles our raven in the bill, but is red on the temples like some kinds of turkeys; has wide nostrils and ill-favoured eyes; and that it feeds chiefly on nutmegs, whence its flesh is very delicate, and has a fine aromatic relish. This in its native places is frequently tamed, and is useful in destroying rats and mice in houses. 3. The rhinoceros, has a crooked horn in the fore-head joined to the upper mandible. It is a native of India. These birds are said to feed on flesh and carrion; and that they follow the hunters for the purpose of feeding on the entrails of the beasts which they kill; that they chase rats and mice, and after pressing them flat with the bill in a peculiar manner, toss them up into the air, swallow them whole immediately on their descent. 4. The nafus, has a smooth forehead. It is about the size of a magpie, and is a native of Senegal. These are very common at Senegal and other warm parts of the old continent, where they are called tock. They are very tame and foolish birds while young, inasmuch as to suffer themselves to be taken by the hand; but having learned experience with mature age, they then become rather shy. When taken young, they immediately become familiar; but are so stupid as not to feed of themselves, though food be offered to them, requiring it to be put into their mouths. In their wild state they feed on fruits, but when domesticated eat bread, and will swallow almost anything that is offered to them.