Now and then the brilliant green trogon is met with.
There are many species of woodpeckers, all familiar to and named by the Tarahumares.

The giant woodpecker is seen in the more remote parts, but it is on the point of being exterminated, because the Tarahumares consider his one or two young such a delicacy that they do not hesitate to cut down even large trees to get at the nests.

The Mexicans shoot them because their plumage is thought to be beneficial to health.

It is held close to the ears and the head in order to impart its supposed magnetism and keep out the maleficent effects of the wind.

In the pairing season these birds keep up a chattering noise, which to my ears was far from disagreeable, but very irritating to a Mexican whom I employed.