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 abdomen, of a rich scarlet. A grey 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.