496 THE RESPLENDENT TROGON. 



and it is often impo .sible to discover them, tl^ ough close above 

 one's head." 



Their feathers are fixed in a very loose manner, so that in 

 falling, when shot, numbers fall off. 



THE RESPLENDENT TROGON. 



The resplendent trogon — the largest of the species — is one 

 of the handsomest of birds, on account of the richness and 

 brilliancy of its colour, the beautiful blending of tints, the 

 flowing grace of its plumage, and the elegance of its colour. 

 On its forehead is a cunously-shaped tuft, of slight and elastic 

 feathers which curl over something like those of the umbrella- 

 bird. This ornament — as also the head, throat, back, wings, 

 and upper tail-coverts — is of the very richest green, with a 

 gloss of gold, which glows, when moved by the breeze, with a 

 changeable sheen. The upper tail-coverts are exceedingly long, 

 projecting considerably beyond the ta"l, and flowing gracefully 

 over the stiffer feathers beneath them. The lower part of the 

 body is of a rich carmine. 



Another species, called by the natives the curucua grande, 

 has a soft, golden green plumage, a red breast, and an orange- 

 coloured beak. 



In the Gapo territory a yellow-bellied trogon, with a back 

 of a brilliant metallic green colour, and a breast of steel-blue, 

 is found. 



The trogon melanurus is remarkable for the beauty of its 

 plumage, having a glossy gi^een back and rose-coloured breast. 

 Bates found one seated alone on a branch, at no great eleva- 

 tion, uttering at intervals, in a complaining tone, its usual cry 

 of '' quaqua." It appeared to be a dull, inactive bird, and 

 even when approached seemed very unwilling to take flight. 



