MEXICAN TROGON RESPLENDENT TROGON. 249 



off ticks from the backs of oxen, the same duty being per- 

 formed by the South American goatsucker. 



MASSINA'S TROGON — THE MEXICAN TROGON. 



These birds are remarkable for their beautiful plumage. 

 The first measures about fourteen inches in length. The 

 crown of the head, back, and chest are of a deep, rich green ; 

 the ear-coverts and throat, glossy black ; the breast and abdo- 

 men, of a rich scarlet. A gray tint covers the centre of the 

 wings, which are pencilled with jet-black lines. The quill- 

 feathers are also black, each being edged with white ; and the 

 bill is a light yellow. The females differ considerably from 

 the males. They are shy and retiring birds, and their habits, 

 consequently, are difficult to study. 



The Mexican trogon is much smaller than the former, 

 being only a foot in total length, of which the tail occupies 

 nearly eight inches. Few birds are more beautifully adorned 

 than the male trogon. The head is of a bright yellow ; the 

 upper surface of the body, with the chest, being of a rich, 

 glossy green ; while the whole under surface is a bright 

 scarlet. The throat and ear-coverts are black, and a white 

 band of a crescent shape surrounds the throat. The wings 

 are nearly entirely black. The tail is partly black, the two 

 central feathers being green, tipped with black. The females 

 and young males differ greatly, but their plumage is still very 

 handsome. 



THE RESPLENDENT TROGON. 

 The resplendent trogon is a native of Mexico, and, like all 

 its congeners, is fond of hiding its beauty in the dark glades 

 of the rich tropical forests. Its skin is remarkably delicate, 



