In deep tropical forests of Central and South America are found over thirty species of this family. Magnificently colored with iridescent sheen, only Hummingbirds approach the splendor of males' apparel. Females are duller.
Altho arboreal the feet are weak and TROGONS seldom move on tree limbs. Disinclination to walking is so strong that rather than travel a foot or two along a branch to seize fruit, they prefer using the wings. They are expert flycatchers, pursuing insects with spectacular acrobatic swoops, sideslips and even turning somersaults in the chase. The call is a single cuk uttered steadily at regular beats for a mintue or more, and is said to be a series of musical notes like those of a hen turkey.
The Quetzal, sacred bird of the Montezumas, belongs to the Trogons.
Lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas; southern Arizona and New Mexico.