The Philippine trogon is a species of bird in the family Trogonidae. It is endemic to the Philippines found on regions of Luzon, East Visayas and Mindanao. It is the only species of trogon in the country. While not a threatened species, its population is declining due to habitat loss and hunting.
Region
Philippine Archipelago, Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs in primary and mature secondary lowland to montane forests, including forest edges and well-forested ravines. Most often found in the shaded midstory and lower canopy where dense foliage offers cover. Uses bamboo patches, vine tangles, and forest clearings for perching and sallying after prey. It tolerates some disturbance but is strongly associated with intact forest structure. Avoids open country and heavily degraded habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Philippine trogon is the archipelago’s only trogon, found on several major islands and their satellite ranges. It spends long periods motionless in the forest midstory, then darts out to snatch prey. Males are vividly colored while females are subtler, aiding camouflage at the nest. Although currently not at high global risk, it is sensitive to forest loss and hunting, and local declines are reported.
A monograph of a male and female Philippine trogon by John Gould
Featured in the 1969 stamp.
Temperament
quiet and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, often remaining motionless for long periods on shaded perches. Pairs maintain territories in suitable forest tracts. Nests are typically placed in natural cavities or soft, rotting stumps, with both sexes contributing to excavation and care. Clutch size is small, and nesting depends on availability of decayed wood.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives a series of hollow, resonant hoots or coos, spaced evenly and repeated from concealed perches. Calls carry through dense forest but are not loud, lending an eerie, mellow quality to the soundscape.
Plumage
Male shows a rich rufous-brown back with bright red to orange-red underparts and a darker head; female is overall warmer brown above with duller orange-buff underparts. Both sexes have a long, graduated tail with pale tips and subtle barring on the undertail. The bill is short and broad, and bare orbital skin is prominent.
Diet
Feeds mainly on large insects such as beetles, stick insects, mantises, and cicadas, taken by short sallies from a perch. Also consumes small fruits and berries when available, particularly during lean insect periods. Occasionally snaps up small lizards or other arthropods resting on foliage.
Preferred Environment
Forages from midstory perches inside closed-canopy forest, making short upward or outward sallies to catch prey. Will glean quietly from leaves and branches and may visit fruiting shrubs along forest edges.
