The elegant trogon, previously known as the coppery-tailed trogon, is a near passerine bird in the trogon family native to Central America. The etymology of the word trogon comes from the Greek word trōgein, meaning "to gnaw", which describes how this species prepares its nests in trees.
Region
Southwestern United States to Central America
Typical Environment
Occurs from southeastern Arizona and occasional New Mexico records south through much of western and northern Mexico to parts of Central America. Prefers pine-oak and evergreen broadleaf forests, riparian corridors with sycamores, and shaded canyon woodlands. Often found along streams and in gallery forests where fruiting trees and abundant insects are available. In the northern range it is localized, while farther south it is more widespread in suitable mid-elevation habitats.
Altitude Range
300–2400 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The elegant trogon, formerly called the coppery-tailed trogon, is a vividly colored near-passerine of canyons and riparian woodlands from the southwestern United States into Central America. It often nests in old woodpecker cavities, lightly gnawing to enlarge the entrance—fitting the Greek origin of 'trogon' meaning 'gnawer.' Males are striking with metallic green upperparts and a bright red belly, while females are more subdued gray-brown. They are often detected by their resonant, repeated calls before being seen.
Male elegant trogon from behind
Temperament
shy and often secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief, direct flights
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs, especially during the breeding season. Nests in tree cavities, often those excavated by woodpeckers, which it may enlarge by gnawing. Pairs maintain small territories along riparian corridors and shaded canyons.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Gives a series of resonant, hollow, barked notes, often rendered as repetitive 'cuh-aw' or 'cuhk' phrases. Calls carry far through canyons and are a primary means of detection.
Plumage
Male with metallic green head and mantle, blackish face and throat, narrow white breast band, and vivid red belly; undertail boldly white with black barring. Female is gray-brown above with a paler breast, cinnamon to red belly, and less contrasting tail pattern; both sexes have finely patterned wing coverts. Feathers appear silky with a distinctive iridescent sheen on males.
Diet
Eats a mix of large insects such as beetles, caterpillars, and katydids, as well as small fruits and berries from canopy and midstory trees. Will sally from a perch to catch flying insects and also glean prey from foliage. Fruits are swallowed whole and later regurgitated as pellets, aiding seed dispersal.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along shaded stream corridors, in sycamore and oak canyons, and among fruiting trees in evergreen and pine-oak forests. Often forages from a quiet midstory perch with short aerial sallies or hover-gleans.
