bright blue and gold eyelike markings that give the bird
its name (from ocellus, or eyespot). Ocellated Turkeys
are easy to see at Tikal National Park in northeastern
Guatemala and Chan Chich Lodge in Belize.Trumpeters
Nothing looks quite like a trumpeter, except another
trumpeter. These oddly shaped, rooster- size birds of
the rain forest floor are uniquely humpbacked, with
long legs, slender necks, and a chicken- like head (plate
15- 12). There are three trumpeter species (family
Psophiidae) recognized by the AOU, though some
authorities (BirdLife International Illustrated Checklist of
Birds of the World, vol. 1, 2015) recognize six species,
a typical example of the taxonomic flux that currently
reigns in ornithology. Each species, regardless of which
taxonomy you choose, is confined to a different region
within Amazonia; since each species’ range is separated
by Amazonian tributaries, this distribution is an example
of vicariance (chapter 8). Species are distinguished by
wing coloration, ranging from white to dusky. Otherwise
the birds are blackish, showing iridescent violet and
greenish colors when in direct sunlight.
Trumpeters amble along the forest floor in small
flocks, feeding on such diverse items as large arthropods
and fallen fruits. They are reputed to chase snakes. The
name trumpeter comes from their curious vocalization,a muffled hoot, rather like the sound of air blowing over
the opening of a bottle. Trumpeters will occasionally
run around in circles, strutting and prancing with wings
outstretched, apparently a courtship or excitement
display. They roost in trees and nest in tree cavities. They
are generally considered to be weak fliers.Doves and Pigeons
Doves and pigeons (order Columbiformes) are much
alike in anatomy, but in general, doves are birds of
edges and open areas (with some notable exceptions
such as the quail- doves), while pigeons are found
mostly in closed forest. Doves and pigeons are well
represented in the Neotropics, where they feed heavily
on seeds and fruits. There are 351 species in the world,
of which about 64 occur in the Neotropics. Some Old
World doves, particularly in Asia and the South Pacific,
are extraordinarily colorful, but Neotropical species
tend toward a plumage of muted colors such as grays,
tans, or rich brown. Some of the larger species make
low, deep cooing vocalizations that suggest the hooting
of an owl. Doves and pigeons of various species are
relatively common throughout Neotropical habitats
and act as seed dispersers.
Ground- doves of various species are commonly
observed throughout the Neotropics (plate 15- 13).Plate 15- 11. Ocellated Turkey at Chan Chich Lodge in Belize,
perhaps the best place to see this remarkable species. Photo
by John Kricher.Plate 15- 12. Gray- winged Trumpeter (Psophia crepitans) on a
forest trail. Photo by John Kricher.chapter 15 neotropical birds: the bustling crowd 267