TROH-gon
Trogon refers to any member of the Trogonidae family of colorful tropical birds found in Central America, South America, Africa, and Asia. These birds are known for their brilliant plumage, distinctive calls, and unique foot structure with two toes facing forward and two backward.
7
Points in Scrabble
Base tile values • No multipliers applied
💡 Pro Tip:
TROGON offers decent scoring potential with its 6 letters and the valuable 'G' (2 points). It's a specialized ornithological term that can catch opponents off-guard.
A trogon is any bird belonging to the family Trogonidae, a group of near-passerine birds characterized by their vibrant colors, distinctive anatomy, and tropical distribution. These birds are found across Central and South America, sub-Saharan Africa, and tropical Asia, representing one of the most colorful bird families in the world.
Trogons are distinguished by their unique heterodactyl foot arrangement, where the first and second toes face backward while the third and fourth face forward—a feature found only in trogons among all bird species. They typically measure 15-40 centimeters in length and display marked sexual dimorphism, with males often exhibiting more brilliant colors than females.
The family includes some of the most spectacular birds in the world, including the legendary Quetzal of Central America, revered by ancient Mayan and Aztec civilizations. Trogons are primarily insectivorous but also feed on fruits, making them important seed dispersers in their ecosystems.
In word games, TROGON represents an excellent example of specialized biological vocabulary that can provide strategic advantages. Its 6-letter length and moderate point value make it a useful word for experienced players familiar with ornithological terms.
The word "trogon" derives from the Greek word "τρώγων" (trōgōn), which means "gnawing" or "nibbling." This name refers to the birds' feeding behavior and their practice of excavating nesting holes in rotting wood, termite nests, or arboreal ant nests using their relatively weak bills and feet.
The scientific naming follows this progression:
The etymology is particularly apt as trogons do indeed "gnaw" or excavate their nest cavities, though their bills are not as specialized for this purpose as those of woodpeckers. The name was first applied by Carl Linnaeus in his systematic classification of birds in the 18th century.
Interestingly, many individual species within the family have names derived from their appearance (Elegant Trogon, Resplendent Quetzal) or geographic distribution (Cuban Trogon, Javan Trogon), but the family name consistently refers to their behavioral characteristic of excavating nesting sites.
Similar tropical bird families
Quetzal
Specific type of large, spectacular trogon
Motmot
Related tropical bird family
Kingfisher
Colorful bird with similar habits
Bee-eater
Insectivorous tropical bird
Barbet
Cavity-nesting tropical bird
Related scientific vocabulary
Heterodactyl
Unique toe arrangement of trogons
Frugivorous
Fruit-eating feeding behavior
Dimorphic
Different male/female appearances
Cavity-nester
Birds that nest in holes
Neotropical
New World tropical region
Plural Form
trogons
Multiple birds of the family
Scientific Family
Trogonidae
The complete family name
Related Species Terms
Emphasizing habitat preference
Scientific classification context
Describing plumage characteristics
Taxonomic grouping reference
"The research team documented three trogon species in the Monteverde cloud forest, including the magnificent Resplendent Quetzal during its breeding season."
"Unlike most birds, the trogon's heterodactyl foot structure allows it to grip branches more effectively while excavating nest cavities in rotting wood."
"Conservation efforts focus on protecting old-growth forests where trogon species require large territories and specific microhabitat conditions for successful breeding."
Field Guide (2023): "The trogon family represents one of the most spectacular groups of tropical birds, with males displaying iridescent green backs and vibrant red or yellow underparts."
Birding Magazine (2022): "Spotting your first trogon in the wild is an unforgettable experience, as these birds seem to embody the very essence of tropical biodiversity."
Conservation Journal (2024): "Trogon populations serve as indicators of forest health, as they require mature forest ecosystems with adequate insect prey and suitable nesting sites."
Total base points: 7 (Scrabble)
Vowels: 2 | Consonants: 4
High-value letters: G (2 pts)
Words using the same letters
6-letter anagrams:
Subwords available:
💡 Tip: TROGON is unique with no common 6-letter anagrams
If you can't play TROGON, consider these subwords:
Trogons inhabit tropical and subtropical forests across three continents. Neotropical species (the majority) are found from Mexico through Central America to northern Argentina. African species occur in sub-Saharan forests, while Asian species are distributed from India through Southeast Asia.
As both insectivores and frugivores, trogons play crucial roles as seed dispersers in tropical ecosystems. Their preference for large, colorful fruits helps maintain forest diversity, while their insect consumption helps control pest populations.
Many trogon species face threats from deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and climate change. The Resplendent Quetzal, in particular, requires large territories of mature cloud forest and is considered a flagship species for conservation efforts in Central America.
Beyond their ecological importance, trogons, especially quetzals, hold deep cultural significance. The Resplendent Quetzal was sacred to Maya and Aztec civilizations, symbolizing freedom and wealth. Today, it appears on Guatemala's flag and currency, and the country's monetary unit is named after it.
Not the same as toucan
Different families with distinct characteristics
Quetzal is a type of trogon
Quetzals belong to the trogon family
Heterodactyl vs. zygodactyl feet
Unique toe arrangement differs from parrots
Found on multiple continents
Not exclusively Neotropical birds
QUETZAL
Famous trogon species
TOUCAN
Related tropical bird
MOTMOT
Similar tropical family
KINGFISHER
Colorful cavity-nester
BARBET
Tropical hole-nesting bird
TANAGER
Colorful neotropical bird
MANAKIN
Small tropical songbird
HORNBILL
Large tropical bird
ARACARI
Small toucan species
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