The collared trogon is a near passerine bird in family Trogonidae, the quetzals and trogons. It is found in Mexico, throughout Central America, and in northern South America.
Region
Central America and northern South America
Typical Environment
Prefers humid evergreen forests from southern Mexico through Central America into northern and western Amazonia and the Andean foothills. Occurs in mature rainforest, tall secondary growth, gallery forests, and forest edges. Frequently associates with forested ravines and stream corridors where dense canopy cover provides shaded perches. Typically uses the midstory to lower canopy and often remains motionless for long periods.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Collared trogons sit quietly on shaded perches and sally out to snatch insects or pluck small fruits, often going unnoticed despite their vivid colors. They nest in cavities they excavate in rotten wood or arboreal termite nests. Males and females look quite different, which helps with identification. Their weak feet reflect a mostly perching lifestyle rather than hopping or climbing.
Temperament
shy and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, especially during the breeding season. Nests are excavated by both sexes in soft wood or active/abandoned arboreal termite nests. Both parents share incubation and chick-rearing duties. Outside breeding, may loosely associate with mixed-species flocks but often remains still and separate.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft series of hollow, mournful coos or hoo notes, often evenly spaced and carrying through forest understory. Calls can include a slow descending series and gentle churring notes, delivered from a concealed perch.
