The Beautiful Maroon Bird Of Southeast Asia — Ward's Trogon

Did You Know: The Ward's' trogon is known for implementing the practice of 'Hover-Gleaning'. This is a cunning feeding method that allows the Ward's trogon to pause while in flight, with no loss of control, enabling them to pluck a winged critter from mid-air. The Ward's trogons feet really aren't fit for purpose. Comparative to their body mass, a Ward's trogons feet are far to tiny and weak to be of much use. This means the Ward's trogon is unable to circumvolve its perch without using its wings, which in turn has brought about a rather distinct adaptation. While most birds have one toe pointing back and three pointing forward on each foot, Trogons have their first and second toes, rather than the usual first and fourth, directed backwards, enabling them to hold fast to the sides of trees like a woodpecker. The Ward's trogon, is from the same family of birds as the 'Resplendent Quetzal', a bird considered sacred by the Mayans and Aztecs. These great and ancient civilisations, considered the feathers of the 'Resplendent Quetzal' talismans of sorts, often worn by royalty to signal their wealth, and by priests during rituals and ceremonies. Interestingly, Quetzal in ancient Mayan literally translates as 'tail feather', present day, Quetzal is the name of Guatemala's currency.