A soft song and a series of thick white bars on its tail could be the most distinctive features of this bird. Stay here and let’s meet the Black-headed Trogon (Trogon melanocephalus).
The Black-headed Trogon (Trogon melanocephalus) is a bird with beautiful plumage that inhabits from the Gulf of Mexico to Costa Rica. In these regions, we can mainly spot it in tropical dry forests, tropical lowland forests, and highly degraded forests. In the tropical regions of Chiapas and Tabasco, Mexico, it is quite common to see and hear it in mountainous vegetation near livestock areas.
This bird enjoys perching for several minutes on exposed branches, where it scans the air for insects to hunt. Additionally, it feeds mainly on fruits. Don’t be surprised if you ever observe it and it only stays on its perch for a few seconds. Something interesting about this bird is that it uses termite nests as its own nest, which is guarded by both parents.
In the forests where it resides, it is common to hear its song before actually seeing it. Often, it is found on high but exposed branches. It is there that it starts calling to other individuals of its species with its song, and they usually respond, delimiting their territories.
Furthermore, on some occasions, it is possible to see more than one male following the female during the breeding season. Groups of up to 4 to 5 males, personally, I have witnessed such a number of males following a female, vocalizing, fighting for their place, and following a single female. In the end, only one is accepted, and that was the glorious moment I witnessed. I waited for over 3 hours, and it was then when the males left and only a pair (male and female) sealed the copulation.
Identifying the Black-headed Trogon (Trogon melanocephalus)
Now, imagine you’re birdwatching and you see this bird for the first time. What would be the most noticeable characteristics that would tell me I’m seeing the Black-headed Trogon? Take note, ready?
- Both males and females have yellow coloring on their belly, with the color appearing more intense in males.
- Both sexes have three large bars on the feathers of their tail (rectrices).
- Males have an iridescent green color on their back, while females are more grayish on their back.
- The color of the head, wings, and back is a strong black in males and a darker grayish in females.
- Both sexes have a beautiful eye ring with bluish tones.
TYT Newsroom
