EnglishTrogons — from the same bird family as the quetzals — have a brilliant plumage with contrasting colors, which makes them popular with birdwatchers.
Popular among birdwatchers, trogons are known for their brilliant plumage with contrasting colors. Like other tropical birds, this non-migratory species can stay perfectly still to survive, making them difficult to spot.
Though trogons have been around for millions of years, their populations are dwindling. Learn more about this unique bird, the threats it faces, and Paso Pacifico’s conservation efforts.
A Brief Background on Trogons
Trogon, Greek for “nibbling,” are birds that belong to the family Trogonidae in the order Trogoniformes. Around 43 bird species comprise the Trogonidae family.
The African genus Apaloderma includes 3 species. Meanwhile, Southeast Asia is home to 12 species, divided between Harpactes and Apalharpactes. The greatest diversity is in the Neotropics, with 28 species across 4 genera.
Fascinating Facts About Trogons
Here are some interesting facts about this remarkable bird:
Trogons Are an Ancient Species
Geologically speaking, trogons originated about 23 million years ago.
However, fossil records indicate they’re even older, suggesting these birds go as far back as the early Eocene period. Experts theorize they first appeared in the Northern Hemisphere and moved towards the equator during the Cenozoic period as climatic and environmental conditions changed.
They Can Cling to Trees Vertically
The heterodactyl behavior is exclusive to the Trogonidae. Trogons cling vertically to trees by positioning their first two toes backward while the third and fourth face forward. This is an extremely useful ability since trogons love gnawing on dead trees while making nest cavities.
These Birds Aren’t Migratory
While their move from the Northern Hemisphere to the Equator must have been part of a survival strategy for the species , Trogons are generally not migratory. However, certain species undertake partial local movements.
Trogons have the lowest leg muscle-to-body ratio of any bird at only 3%, making them inefficient flyers. Hence, these ornithic creatures permanently occupy the forests within their range.
However, they don’t let their short legs and weak feet keep them from traveling short distances or moving to lower elevations for fruiting events.
Trogons Have Distinct Physical Characteristics
Trogons have brilliant plumage though the males are more eye-catching than the females which is often the case in the avian kingdom. They have broad, serrated bills that allow them to swallow their food whole. They also have small, weak legs and long tails.
These Avians Are Residents of Tropical Forests
Trogons live in the tropical forests of Central and Southern Africa, Southeast Asia as well as North and South America. Some birds from the Trogon family, like the resplendent quetzal, are found in Central America and Southern Mexico.
They primarily inhabit rainforests and woodlands. Most live in the tropics and subtropics, scattered in the lower-to-middle elevations of forests.
These Tropical Inhabitants Feed on Insects and Fruits
Trogons of the African species feed on a variety of insects: caterpillars, cicadas, crickets, beetles, adult butterflies, dragonflies, walking sticks, moths, and various orthopterans. This diet could be responsible for the unusually foul odor detected in their flesh and feces. They also ingest small vertebrates (animals with spines or backbones) like anoles, frogs, and lizards.
Species in Asia and America include fruits in their diets.
They’re the Ventriloquists of the Animal Kingdom
These feathered animals have an uncanny ability to produce sounds without moving their beaks. It’s thus difficult to recognize the sounds they emit, prompting bird lovers to describe them as the ventriloquists of the animal kingdom.
Trogons Are Seed Dispersers
These fruit-eating avians are seed dispersers which is fundamental for the conservation of biodiversity. However, research shows they aren’t very good at it since they only travel short distances.
All things considered, trogons are essential for diversity and addressing the declining global forest area. In the last 60 years, forests have shrunk by over 60% and 81.7 million hectares have been lost.
These Winged Creatures Are Loyal To Their Mates
The “nibbling” tropical species are monogamous, but they don’t remain in pairs throughout the year.
During the breeding season, many trogon species gather in mixed-gender calling assemblages and show a strong territorial nature. This typically takes place in the dry season when food is more abundant. However, their phenology is extremely variable and nests are seen during spring and summer.
Both Parents Care for Their Offspring
Both parents care for their offspring, with the female keeping watch during the night. Their chicks mainly survive on insects swallowed whole or regurgitated (food that has been swallowed is brought back into the mouth).
They Are Ancient Symbols of Power and Status
Trogons were captured for their feathers but rarely killed.Feathers from this bird family—particularly the male quetzal—was seen as a symbol of power and status in Aztec culture and literature. The rulers used brightly colored feathers arranged in a semicircle for their headdresses.
Trogons in Peril
Ten trogon species were classified as “Near Threatened” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in its 2002 Red List.
These include:
- Baird’s trogon (T. bairdii)
- Diard’s trogon (Harpactes diardii)
- Whitehead’s trogon (H. whiteheadi)
- The Resplendent quetzal (P. mocinno)
- The Cinnamon-rumped trogon (H. orrhophaeus)
- The Eared trogon (Euptilotis neoxenus)
- The Hispaniolan trogon (Temnotrogon roseigaster)
- The Red-naped trogon (H. kasumba)
- The Scarlet-rumped trogon (H. duvaucelii)
- Ward’s trogon (H. wardi)
Sadly, the dangers they face are mostly caused by humans.
Threats to Their Survival
Trogons are considered biological indicators of forest integrity. They facilitate the presence of a variety of other species by creating necessary nest cavities (hollow areas), most of which are in arboreal termitaria.
Unfortunately, Trogonidae populations have declined across the world because of:
Illegal Aviculture Trade
The beautiful and elaborate plumages of the trogon have put them at a notable disadvantage. The trapping of exotic birds has increased dramatically, exacerbating forest destruction.
Habitat Destruction
Trogons build nests in arboreal termitaria and decaying palm trees. As a forest-dependent species, it is affected by habitat fragmentation due to old-growth trees being cut down at an alarming rate. The human-driven disturbance seriously affects the number of suitable nesting locations.
These factors have forced the species’ confinement to smaller areas.
The Resplendent Quetzal, a member of the Trogonidae family, has been restricted to ranges from Chiapas to Panama at elevations above 1,500 yards. Since they depend on trees in primary cloud forests, they are undergoing a “moderately rapid population decline” due to habitat destruction.
Drawdown
The drawdown of water tables is another threat to the survival of the trogon. As groundwater levels fall sharply around the world, riparian vegetation in these areas can be gravely affected. These are the primary areas where trogons build their nests.
Preserve the Trogon’s Habitats With Paso Pacifico
In addition to population declines from poor reproductive success, trogons face rampant habitat loss. This has affected 76% of the species, including quetzals, often dubbed as the most beautiful birds in the world.
The vibrantly colored birds are found from Southern Mexico to Costa Rica and Guatemala. They were described as rare and endangered in 1969. Unfortunately, the situation hasn’t improved. One of the subspecies, the resplendent quetzal, is on the NABCI’s Watch List as a species of high conservation concern.
Paso Pacifico understands the urgency of their plight and is committed to making a difference.
Our efforts started in Nicaragua, where we enlisted the help of the locals to build a corridor at Paso del Istmo. The Interoceanic Corridor extends to El Salvador, a small country in Central America, connecting numerous distinct ecosystems that serve as habitats to the black-headed trogons.
But the effort can only continue with your generous support. Help us amplify our mission to restore and protect the Pacific Slope ecosystems of Mesoamerica by donating to Paso Pacifico.