Black-throated Trogon

The Black-throated Trogon, Trogon rufus breeds in lowlands from Honduras south to western Ecuador and northern Argentina.

It is a resident of the lower levels of damp tropical forests, and prefers the deep shade of the understory.

Description:

The Black-throated Trogon measures 23 – 24 cm in length and weighs 54 – 57 g, with a white undertail with black barring, a yellow bill and wing-coverts which are vermiculated with black and white, but appear grey at any distance.

The male Black-throated Trogon has a green head, upper breast and back, black face and throat, and golden yellow belly.

The female has a brown head, upper breast and back, rufous upper tail and yellow belly.

Immatures resemble the adults but are duller, and young males have a brown throat, breast and wing coverts.

Although their flight is fast, they are reluctant to fly any distance. They are usually observed perching upright and motionless.

Black-throated Trogon Male and Female

Nesting / Breeding

They nest 1-6 m high in an unlined shallow cavity. The typical nests consists of 2 white eggs.

Call / Vocalization:

The call is described as a churring krrrrrr, and the song is a typical trogon series of a few clear whistles, cuh cuh cuh cuh.

Diet / Feeding:

Black-throated Trogons mostly feeds on insects taken in flight, as well as fruit.

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Gordon Ramel

Gordon is an ecologist with two degrees from Exeter University. He's also a teacher, a poet and the owner of 1,152 books. Oh - and he wrote this website.

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