Lattice-tailed Trogon

The lattice-tailed trogon, a member of the Trogonidae family, is a bird of striking appearance. Males are adorned with a yellow bill and a whitish eye, set against a blackish face, chin, and throat. Their plumage is a dazzling iridescent green on the crown, nape, upperparts, and breast, while the belly and vent boast a vibrant rosy red. When the wings are folded, a fine black and white vermiculation creates a grayish illusion from afar. The tail's upper surface is a bluish green, and the underside is a slate gray with delicate white bars. Females, on the other hand, display a slaty gray in place of the male's green, with a subtle olive tint on the breast and a darker maxilla.

Identification Tips

To identify the lattice-tailed trogon, look for the male's distinctive yellow bill and the intricate pattern on the folded wings. The female can be recognized by her slaty gray plumage with an olive-tinted breast. Both sexes exhibit the characteristic white barring on the underside of the tail.

Habitat

This species thrives in the midstory and lower canopy of mature, humid to wet foothill and lower mountain forests. They are typically found in the forest interior but may also venture to forest edges and into shaded semi-open areas.

Distribution

The lattice-tailed trogon graces the Caribbean slope throughout Costa Rica and extends into western Panama. It is also found locally on the Pacific slope in Panama.

Behaviour

Descending to lower elevations at the end of the rainy season, the lattice-tailed trogon is almost never encountered in level lowlands. It ranges in elevation from 90 to 1,360 meters (300 to 4,500 feet).

Song & calls

The song of the lattice-tailed trogon is a captivating auditory display, consisting of a rapid series of about 15 loud, resonant clucking 'kwa' notes. The sequence rises in pitch and volume, reaching a crescendo in the middle before becoming faster, lower, and softer.

Breeding

During the breeding season, which spans from February to May, the lattice-tailed trogon nests in cavities excavated in rotten trees or snags, and occasionally in arboreal termitaria. These nests are typically situated between 5 and 8 meters (16 and 26 feet) above the ground.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of this species is predominantly fruits and large insects, with the occasional indulgence in small frogs and lizards.

Conservation status

The IUCN has classified the lattice-tailed trogon as Least Concern. Despite its restricted range and an unquantified population that is believed to be decreasing, the species does not currently face immediate threats. However, habitat destruction within its range is extensive, necessitating careful evaluation of its status.