White-tailed Trogon

The White-tailed Trogon, Trogon chionurus, presents a striking figure in its humid forest home. This relatively large trogon species measures between 28 to 30 centimeters in length. Exhibiting strong sexual dimorphism, the male boasts a dark blue head and upper breast, which may appear almost blackish under subdued lighting. His back shimmers with green, transitioning to a more pronounced blue upon the rump. The lower underparts are a vivid orange-yellow, while the wings are black with delicate white vermiculations. The undertail is predominantly white, save for a very narrow black base on each feather. A complete pale bluish eye-ring encircles his eye. In contrast, the female is more subdued with a grey back, head, and breast, and her tail feathers display less distinct black-and-white barring, primarily on the inner webs.

Identification Tips

To distinguish the White-tailed Trogon from similar species, note the male's bluer rump and the almost entirely white undertail with a narrow black base. The female's less pronounced tail barring is also a key identifier. In comparison, the Gartered Trogon, a smaller relative, features a yellow eye-ring in males and an incomplete white one in females, with the male also showing barring on the undertail.

Habitat

The White-tailed Trogon is a denizen of the tropical humid forests of the Chocó biogeographic region.

Distribution

This species is found from Panama, through western Colombia, and into western Ecuador.

Behaviour

White-tailed Trogons are known for their upright perching and stillness. They exhibit fast flight but are generally reluctant to cover large distances. Their broad bills and weak legs are indicative of their diet and arboreal lifestyle.

Song & Calls

The vocal repertoire of the White-tailed Trogon includes a series of 15-20 rapid "cow" notes, a distinctive sound within the forest chorus.

Diet and Feeding

Their diet primarily consists of small fruits, with arthropods playing a supplementary role, particularly during the dry season when fruit is less abundant.

Conservation status

The White-tailed Trogon is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating a stable population without immediate threats to its survival.