Wallace describes one which he had on board his canoe, which used to climb into every crack and cranny, diving into all the baskets, pans, and pots it could discover, and tasting everything they contained. It was a most omnivorous feeder, eating rice, farina, every kind of flesh, fish, and vegetables; and drinking coffee too. As soon as it saw him, basin in hand, it would climb up to the edge, and not be quiet without having a share; which it would lick up with the greatest satisfaction, stopping now and then to look knowingly round,--as much as to say, "This coffee is very good,"--and then sipping again with increased gusto. It has a pretty, clear whistle, which the Indians imitate, making it reply, and stare about in a vain search for its companions. TROGONS. Among the smaller birds in these forests, the trogons--a genus of scansorial birds--are the most beautiful, surpassing their relatives found in other parts of the world. There are numerous varieties, differing in size--from the trogon viridis, scarcely larger than a sparrow, to the beautiful trogon, with its handsome tail, the size of a rook. Often they are to be seen in the depths of the forest, sitting motionless for hours together, simply moving their heads, watching apparently for insects, or sometimes scanning the neighbouring trees for fruit. Having selected a ripe one, they dart off now and then at long intervals to secure it, returning always to the same perch. Their wings are feeble, and they are of a dull, inactive temperament. They have long spreading tails, and a dense plumage, which makes them appear larger than they are in reality. They are solitary birds, and may be seen sitting singly, or in pairs--some species on the taller trees, and others but a few feet above the ground--occasionally uttering a mournful note, which sounds like _curucua_,--the name which the Indians give to them. "This would betray them to the hunter," says Edwards; "but they are great ventriloquists, and it is often impossible to discover them, though close above one's head." Their feathers are fixed in a very loose manner, so that in falling, when shot, numbers fall off. THE RESPLENDENT TROGON. The resplendent trogon--the largest of the species--is one of the handsomest of birds, on account of the richness and brilliancy of its colour, the beautiful blending of tints, the flowing grace of its plumage, and the elegance of its colour. On its forehead is a curiously-shaped tuft, of slight and elastic feathers which curl over something like those of the umbrella-bird. This ornament--as also the head, throat, back, wings, and upper tail-coverts--is of the very richest green, with a gloss of gold, which glows, when moved by the breeze, with a changeable sheen. The upper tail-coverts are exceedingly long, projecting considerably beyond the tail, and flowing gracefully over the stiffer feathers beneath them. The lower part of the body is of a rich carmine.