CHAPTER XV 



Trogons, Toucans, ai^b Woodpeckees 

 ORDERS— TROGONES AND PICI 



THE precise relationship of these birds has not 

 yet been decided, though probably all are akin. 

 The Toucans and Woodpeckers are certainly 

 more nearly related one to another than to the 

 Trogons, which form a rather isolated group. 



The Trogons are represented by many species, some 

 of which are of surpassing beauty. Some are natives 

 of tropical America ; others occur as resident species in 

 Africa, a large part of India, and the Malayan coun- 

 tries. In ancient times they occurred in Europe, 

 fossil remains of Trogons having been found in 

 France. The American species are distinguished by 

 their barred tails. 



As their small, weak feet would indicate, these birds 

 are tree-living, and feed while suspended in the air, 

 their diet consisting of berries and insects. The sexes 

 differ greatly in colouration, the males being much 

 more brilliantly attired. The Trogons are "yoke- 

 footed," like Cuckoos and Parrots, but they differ 

 from them, as well as from all other known birds, in 

 that it is the first and second, instead of the first and 

 fourth, toes which are directed backwards. 



The Narina Trogon is an African species, ranging 



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