Black-headed Trogon

The Black-headed Trogon, Trogon melanocephalus, is a medium-sized bird with a striking appearance. It measures 27 to 28 cm in length and weighs between 74 to 95 grams. Both sexes exhibit a dark head, neck, and chest, with a distinctive sky-blue ring around the eye. A white line demarcates the chest from the vibrant yellow underparts, which lighten towards the vent. The tail is adorned with metallic bronze green to bluish green feathers with black tips, and the wings are slate black with white markings. Males boast a resplendent metallic bluish green to golden green back, while females have a more subdued dark slate coloration.

Identification Tips

To identify the Black-headed Trogon, look for the black head and chest, contrasted by the bright yellow lower belly. The eye is encircled by a blue ring, and the tail features a unique pattern of black and white. Males are particularly noticeable with their metallic upperparts and blue to violet rump.

Habitat

This species thrives in various forest habitats, including tropical wet and moist forests, pinelands, and secondary growth. It is often found at forest edges, in semi-open to open areas like plantations and gardens, and can adapt to suburban environments.

Distribution

The Black-headed Trogon is native to the Caribbean slope from southern Veracruz, Mexico, through Central America to central Nicaragua, and on the Pacific slope from El Salvador to northwestern Costa Rica.

Behaviour

These birds are non-migratory and may gather in mixed-sex groups, with a tendency for more males than females, hinting at a possible lek mating system.

Song & Calls

The species is known for its loud series of accelerating "cluck" or "cuck" notes, which can be heard as duets or group calls. Its alarm call is a low "cuck."

Breeding

Breeding season varies by region, typically from March to July. Nests are carved into active termite nests, with both sexes participating in excavation. Clutches usually consist of three eggs, incubated for 17 to 19 days, with fledging occurring around 16 or 17 days post-hatching.

Diet and Feeding

Adult Black-headed Trogons feed on fruit and arthropods, catching their prey in flight before returning to a perch to eat. Nestlings are primarily fed arthropods, especially larvae.

Conservation status

The IUCN has classified the Black-headed Trogon as Least Concern. Despite a large range and common status throughout its habitat, the population is believed to be decreasing, although no immediate threats have been identified. This species shows adaptability to habitat changes, tolerating human-altered landscapes.