The general characteristics of this group are, a beak large, but varying
in size, very hollow, light, raised above, and hooked before; in the
species immediately following, the legs are short, strong, and the feet
formed for climbing; they are furnished with a tongue, thick, fleshy,
and rounded like the human tongue, which renders articulation easy to
them. All these birds are foreign, and ought to be reared from the nest
when intended for speaking.