Lattice-tailed trogon

The lattice-tailed trogon is a species of bird in the family Trogonidae, the quetzals and trogons. It is found in Costa Rica and Panama.

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Distribution

Region

Southern Central America

Typical Environment

Occurs in humid foothill and montane forests from Costa Rica into western Panama. Prefers mature primary forest, tall secondary forest, and ravines with dense vegetation. Most often found in the midstory to lower canopy, along forested streams and shaded slopes. It avoids heavily degraded habitats and open areas, favoring continuous forest cover.

Altitude Range

150–2000 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size28–30 cm

Wing Span40–45 cm

Male Weight0.11 kg

Female Weight0.1 kg

Life Expectancy8 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

Named for the striking black-and-white 'lattice' pattern on the underside of its tail, this trogon is a quiet, forest-dwelling specialist. It often sits motionless in the midstory, making it easier to hear than to see. Pairs excavate nest cavities in rotten stumps or arboreal termite nests. Its presence is a good indicator of healthy, humid foothill and montane forest.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

solitary and territorial

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with brief glides

Social Behavior

Usually seen alone or in pairs, sitting quietly for long periods in the midstory. Pairs maintain territories and communicate with low, resonant calls. They nest in cavities they excavate in decayed wood or arboreal termite nests, with both sexes involved in excavation and incubation.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

A series of deep, resonant, mournful notes delivered at measured intervals, often described as 'wok… wok… wok…'. Calls carry far through humid forest and are more often heard at dawn and early morning.

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Identification

Leg Colorblackish-grey

Eye Colordark brown

Plumage

Male has iridescent green head, back, and breast with a bright red belly; female is brownish-gray above with duller reddish underparts. Both sexes show a finely barred black-and-white undertail that creates a 'lattice' effect. Upper tail appears dark with green gloss; undertail pattern is diagnostic. Bill stout and slightly hooked, typical of trogons.

Feeding Habits

Diet

Takes a mixed diet of small fruits (including berries and figs) and arthropods such as beetles, katydids, and caterpillars. Often sallies from a perch to pluck fruit or to snatch prey from foliage. May occasionally hover-glean to take items from leaves and twigs.

Preferred Environment

Feeds in the shaded midstory and subcanopy of humid forest, along stream corridors and in ravines. Favors fruiting trees and edges within otherwise continuous forest.

Population

Total Known Populationunknown

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