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Trogoniformes - Trogons



Anseriformes
Apodiformes
Bucerotiformes
Caprimulgiformes
Charadriiformes
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Cuculiformes
Falconiformes
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Pelecaniformes
Phoenicopteriformes
Piciformes
Podicipediformes
Procellariiformes
Psittaciformes
Pteroclidiformes
Strigiformes
Trogoniformes
Turniciformes
Upupiformes

Trogoniformes (trogons and quetzals) is a small order of brightly colored tropical birds. There are about 39 species in one family, Trogonidae. All trogons are arboreal and most live entirely within forests or woods. None are known to be migratory. Trogons have heterodactyl feet (first and second toes point backwards while the third and fourth toes point forwards). Trogons are primarily insectivorous with some intake of berries.

Trogons generally nest in tree cavities or excavate them in abandoned termite and wasp nests. The nest is sparsely lined and the 2 to 4 glossy white eggs are incubated by both sexes. Incubation takes about 18 days and the young are altricial. The young are fed on regurgitated insects and fledge in 3-4 weeks. Both parents take part in feeding and protecting the young.

Only three species of birds belonging to Trogoniformes are found in India.
 

Family: Trogonidae

Red-headed Trogon  (Harpactes erythrocephalus) - widespread resident
Malabar Trogon  (Harpactes fasciatus) - widespread resident
Ward's Trogon  (Harpactes wardi) - local resident