The Atlantic black-throated trogon is a bird in the family Trogonidae, the trogons and quetzals. It is found in Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay.
Region
Atlantic Forest of eastern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid evergreen and semi-deciduous Atlantic Forests of southeastern Brazil, eastern Paraguay, and northeastern Argentina (Misiones). Prefers mature forest interiors with dense understory and plentiful shady perches, but also uses well-structured secondary growth. Frequently found along forested streams and in ravines where humidity is high. Generally absent from heavily degraded or very open habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A quiet, forest-dwelling trogon of the Atlantic Forest, it often sits motionless in shaded midstory perches, making it easy to overlook. It typically nests in arboreal termite nests or soft, decayed wood, which the pair excavates. Like many trogons, it eats both insects and small fruits, helping control arthropods and disperse seeds.
Temperament
solitary and shy
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, especially during the breeding season. Pairs excavate nests in arboreal termite mounds or rotten stumps, where 2–3 eggs are laid and both sexes share incubation and chick-rearing. Often perches quietly in the midstory, sallying to take prey and then returning to the same perch.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives a soft, evenly spaced series of mellow hoo notes, often accelerating slightly. Calls carry through the forest but are subdued and ventriloquial, making the bird hard to locate.
Plumage
Male with metallic green head and back, velvety black throat and upper breast, narrow white breast band, and bright yellow belly; tail shows black-and-white barring below. Female is mainly brown-olive above with dusky throat and breast, duller yellow belly, and similarly barred undertail. Both sexes have soft, loose-textured feathers typical of trogons.
Diet
Feeds on a mix of arthropods (such as beetles, katydids, and spiders) and small fruits. Often sallies from a perch to snatch insects from foliage or in midair, then returns to the same or a nearby perch. Fruit is swallowed whole and seeds are later regurgitated or passed, aiding seed dispersal.
Preferred Environment
Forages in shaded midstory and lower canopy, especially along forested streams and inside mature forest. Will also use advanced secondary growth with dense structure and fruiting trees.
