The bare-cheeked trogon is a species of bird in the family Trogonidae found in the rainforests of western central Africa.
Region
West-Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland and foothill evergreen rainforests from southern Cameroon through Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the Republic of the Congo, into parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Cabinda enclave of Angola. It favors primary forest with a closed canopy and dense mid-story, often near rivers and in swampy forest. The species can persist locally in well-developed secondary forest but is most common in undisturbed tracts. It perches quietly inside the mid to upper understory and edges of forest clearings. Human-disturbed edges are used sparingly when adjacent to intact forest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The bare-cheeked trogon is a secretive rainforest bird with a distinctive patch of bare, brightly colored skin on the cheeks. It often sits motionless for long periods in the mid-story, making short sallies to grab insects or pluck fruits. Pairs are typically quiet and can be located by their deep, resonant hoots. They rely on mature, intact lowland forest and often nest in soft, decayed wood or arboreal termite nests.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, maintaining small territories within mature forest. Breeding pairs nest in cavities excavated in soft, decayed wood or in arboreal termite nests. They spend long periods perched quietly, scanning for prey and fruit. Courtship involves soft calling and short display flights between perches.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
The call is a series of deep, resonant hoots delivered at measured intervals, carrying far through dense forest. It may also give softer clucking or purring notes at close range. Vocalizations are most frequent at dawn and in the late afternoon.
