Author:
Qjure
Book:
Qjurious
Type:
Info
Chapter:
4-565.50.00
Trogoniformes
English: Trogons; Quetzal.
Name: trogon is Greek for nibbling.
Clades: Afroaves; Aves; Animals.
Genera: 7; 46 species; 1 family.
Region: worldwide, greatest diversity is in the Neotropics.
Habitat: tropical forests.
Introduction
Trogoniformes have soft, often colourful, feathers with distinctive male and female plumage. They gnaw holes in trees to make their nests.
They feed on insects and fruit, and their broad bills and weak legs reflect their diet and arboreal habits. Although their flight is fast, they are reluctant to fly any distance. Trogons are generally not migratory, although some species undertake partial local movements. They are the only type of animal with a heterodactyl toe arrangement. They nest in holes dug into trees or termite nests, laying 2 to 4 white or pastel-coloured eggs.
Families
Trogonidae.