Tails 421 
the classic form of a lyre; while twelve of the central 
feathers, so scantily barbed that their stems are plainly 
visible, hold positions corresponding to the strings of 
that ancient instrument. The two elongated middle 
feathers cross each other and curve outward, adding still 
more to the decorative effect of 
this strangely beautiful member. 
Naturally we find that these 
birds are better runners than 
fliers. The females lack the or- 
namental tail. 
If we judge from analogy 
with the human race, when an 
inordinate amount of ostenta- 
tious show is noticeable among 
birds, we occasionally find that 
it is, In a sense, a sham display; 
although the analogy ceases when 
we find that such a case among 
birds is no less interesting than 
where the phenomenon is really 
what it appears to be. Upon 
seeing a specimen of the beau- 
tiful trogon commonly called 
the Quezal, the involuntary ex- 
clamation is, “‘ What a magnificent tail!” And no wonder; 
for, while the bird is only about the size of a small dove, 
behind it, for three and a half feet, there stream long, 
iridescent green plumes, soft as down, brilliant as emeralds. 
Yet the true tail is a short, squarish affair, completely 
Fig. 337.—Tail-coverts of Quezal. 
