Five Amazing Avians that Call the Sky Islands Home

Elegant Trogon

The reclusive Elegant Trogon is a brightly colored parrot-sized bird that gets its name from the Greek trogon (meaning gnawer) which refers to its hefty, serrated bill. Despite its small size, their distinctive song is reminiscent of a wild turkey.

Protection efforts have tried to encourage the Elegant Trogon to make use of nesting boxes, but the birds showed no interest in the shelter. The four year program underscores the need for habitat conservation in its traditional range.

Northern Crested Caracara

A common subject of folklore and legends throughout Central and South America, the Crested Caracara is sometimes referred to as the “Mexican eagle” and is the national bird of Mexico.

Its long legs allow this ground-inhabiting falcon to walk and run on the ground with ease.