Democratic Sentinel, Volume 18, Number 7, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 March 1894 — The Trogon. [ARTICLE]

The Trogon.

In the woody solitudes of South America, concealed for the most part in the densest forests, is found that most curious bird, the Trogon, not less remarkable for the delicacy of his flesh than the beauty of his plumage. They are sometimes seen on the summit of trees, but in general they prefer the center, where they remain a portion of the day without descending to the ground, or even to the lower branches. There they lie in ambush for the insects which pass within reach and seize them with dexterity. They have many cries, from the sound of one of which their name is derived. Some of them express the syllable “pio,” repeated many times in succession, with a powerful yet plaintive tone. Their accent reminds one of the wailings of a child who has lost its way, and it is thus that they cry to each other amid the silence of the forest.

in the mythology of the ancient Mexicans, one species of this beautiful bird, the Golden Trogon, was celebrated and watched over with great care. According to Cortes, i oyal physicians were appointed to watch over the health of these birds, and they had attendants, some of whom procured their food, others distributed it, and others watched over the eggs at the time of incubation. At certain seasons they were robbed of their feathers, which were highly prized for their beauty. A variety of the Trogon is found in Africa, of which it is said that the moment the young are hatched they take flight and follow their parents. It is also said that there are several species in Asia.