Alternative Names: Coppery-tailed Trogon (esp. northernmost race)
- Trogon elegans
Identification
Length 28-30cm (11-12"). A brightly coloured bird unmistakable in its range. In the male, a blue face and head grades on the back to irridescent green, which extends to the copper-coloured tail. On the front, a green chin and upper breast separates the bright red lower breast and belly by narrow pure white band. Tail is long, narrow, and square-tipped, with subtle bands of white and grey, black tip. Female is similar, except with brown head and back, and a small white spot below and behind the eye. Superficially resembles a parrot, but with small bill and feet. Erect to "hunchback" posture.
Distribution
SE Arizona to Costa Rica (see Taxonomy)
Taxonomy
Five subspecies are recognized:[1]
- T. e. canascens - very local in extreme SE Arizona, some sightings in extreme SW New Mexico, both winter only.
- T. e. goldmani - Tres Marias Is., w Mexico
- T. e. ambibuus - e and c Mexico
- T. e. elegans - SE Guatemala
- T. e. lubricus - Honduras, Nicaragua, nw Costa Rica
Photo by Gary Clark
Location: Patagonia Lake, Arizona, USA.
Habitat
Mountain forests, canyons, riparian areas with Sycamore trees, chiefly at altitudes from 1200 to 1800m.
Behaviour
Tends to perch rather motionless for long periods on perches from 4-15m. above the ground. Drops to the ground to capture prey, but returns to perch to consume them. Diet includes insects, especially grasshoppers, and berries. Solitary.
References
- Clements, JF. 2008. The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. 6th ed., with updates to December 2008. Ithaca: Cornell Univ. Press. ISBN 978-0801445019.
