The Elegant Trogon brings
a touch of the tropical to its riparian locales in the southwest United States, where it is sought after by many birders. Similar to the resplendent Quetzal the male Elegant Trogon has an amazing combination of vivid green and iridescent red. The long, square-tipped tail sparkles in copper and green shades.
The female is a subtle blend of white and brown with a distinctive white spot in the corner of the eye. The red coverts on her undertail give her just a hint of color. Bluebird Meaning The term “trogon” is an especially appropriate description of this captivating bird.
Green Gnawer
The word trogon originates from the Greek word meaning “gnawer” or “nibbler,” and refers to the bird’s long, serrated bill that it uses to pluck fruits and catch huge insects, lizards as well as other live prey. It also makes use of its strong bill to remove soft, decayed, and softwood from nesting places.
Barely Crossing the Border
The majority of Elegant Trogons live in Mexico and portions of Central America. However, this stunning species is found in the southeastern part of Arizona as well, and in smaller amounts, into southwestern New Mexico. The Elegant also shows up on the outskirts of South Texas.
In its vast habitat, it is believed that The Elegant Trogon is a permanent resident, however, U.S. nesters are an exception, and they migrate south in the autumn. One of the more adaptable species of the group, the species can be found in a variety of habitats both at low and high altitudes. Certain authorities consider birds that are found from Guatemala to Costa Rica as separate species.
The five subspecies that comprise Elegant Trogon are recognized, further subdivided into two distinct groups based on subtle differences in the undertail pattern.
“Song” or “song” of the Elegant Trogon is an eerie series of sounding croakings, which are sometimes similar to the bark of a dog. The bird also makes chattering calls.
Feeding on the Wing
An Omnivore The Elegant Trogon is an omnivore that eats a range of berries, fruits, and even small animals. Large insects like moths, katydids, and cicadas as well as caterpillars and grasshoppers comprise the majority of their diet in the nesting season. Sometimes, it will devour small vertebrates, like Lizards.
The Elegant Trogon is a “sit and wait” predator and spends most of its time sitting in mid-canopy with its characteristic erect posture. It hunts by darting from its perch in order to catch insects or hovers to pick fruits.
Second Tenants
The Elegant Trogon is monogamous, and the birds usually German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix arrive at their nesting sites already paired. Males who are not paired attract females by flashing their tails, inflating their chest with color, and then following their female from perch to perch calling. He could also make calls from the opening of a possible nest hole in order to tempt the female to come inside.