Large forest pigeons are most easily observed when they
sit conspicuously atop a tree or tree snag (plate 15- 14),
though this often places them in poor light, silhouetted
against a bright sky (plate 15- 15). Otherwise they may
be seen mostly as they fly swiftly through or over the
forest. Quail- doves and other forest doves are more of a
challenge to observe as, like wood- quail, they tend to be
rather secretive denizens of the forest floor (plate 15- 16).
Trogons
There are 43 species of trogons (Trogoniformes) in the
world’s tropics and subtropics, and 27 are Neotropical.
The family is well represented in Middle America as
well as South America. Two species are found in the
Greater Antilles, and two reach the southwestern
United States, specifically Arizona. A trogon is a
chunky, large- headed bird with a long, rectangular tail
and short, wide bill. Complexly colored, males have
iridescent green or blue heads and backs, and bright
red or yellow breasts (plate 15- 17). Females resemble
males but are duller in color, often quite grayish. The
pattern of black, gray, and white on the tail and the
color of the eye- ring (a patch of colorful skin circling
the eye) are important field marks to identify various
species. Trogons range in size from about 25 to 33 cm
(9.8– 13 in).Plate 15- 13. The Ruddy Ground- Dove (Columbina talpacoti) is
common throughout all of the Neotropics and now reaches
parts of southwestern North America. It is found in open fields
and forest edges. Photo by John Kricher.
Plate 15- 14. The large Picazuro Pigeon (Patagioenas [Columba]
picazuro) is widely distributed throughout southern
Amazonia. Pigeons of various species often sit atop snags.
Photo by John Kricher.Plate 15- 15. This Scaled Pigeon (Patagioenas speciosa),
high atop a tree and backlit, is still clearly identifiable by its
distinctive spotted breast. It is rather common to see pigeons
in this way. Photo by John Kricher.
Plate 15- 16. The White- throated Quail- Dove (Zentrygon
[Geotrygon] frenata) is found along the Andes in lowland
forests as well as cloud forests. Quail- doves, never easy to see,
are among the most strikingly colored of Neotropical doves
and pigeons. Photo by Nancy Norman.268 chapter 15 neotropical birds: the bustling crowd