Among the smaller birds in these forests, the trogons--a genus of
scansorial birds--are the most beautiful, surpassing their relatives
found in other parts of the world. There are numerous varieties,
differing in size--from the trogon viridis, scarcely larger than a
sparrow, to the beautiful trogon, with its handsome tail, the size of a
rook. Often they are to be seen in the depths of the forest, sitting
motionless for hours together, simply moving their heads, watching
apparently for insects, or sometimes scanning the neighbouring trees for
fruit. Having selected a ripe one, they dart off now and then at long
intervals to secure it, returning always to the same perch.
Their wings are feeble, and they are of a dull, inactive temperament.
They have long spreading tails, and a dense plumage, which makes them
appear larger than they are in reality. They are solitary birds, and
may be seen sitting singly, or in pairs--some species on the taller
trees, and others but a few feet above the ground--occasionally uttering
a mournful note, which sounds like _curucua_,--the name which the
Indians give to them. "This would betray them to the hunter," says
Edwards; "but they are great ventriloquists, and it is often impossible
to discover them, though close above one's head."
Their feathers are fixed in a very loose manner, so that in falling,
when shot, numbers fall off.