Trogon comptus
The Choco Trogon (*Trogon comptus*) is a resplendent jewel of the Neotropical understory, famed for its vivid plumage and elusive demeanor. Males sport an iridescent green crown, back, and chest, sharply contrasted by a striking white breast band and a brilliant scarlet-red belly that fades to orange on the lower flanks. Their face and throat are velvety black, punctuated by a conspicuous yellow or orange eye-ring, while the dark tail features delicate white barring on the outer rectrices. Fe...
Inhabits humid lowland and foothill primary and secondary forests, often near streams, ranging from 50 to 1100 meters elevation.
Primarily consumes insects (including large beetles, caterpillars, mantids, and cicadas) and fruits, especially berries and arillate seeds.
The Choco Trogon typically exhibits a diurnal, yet remarkably inactive, lifestyle, often perching motionless for extended periods amidst the dense forest canopy, making it surprisingly difficult to spot despite its vibrant colors. It employs a "sit-and-wait" foraging strategy, sallying out from a...
The Choco Trogon is a resident, non-migratory species exclusively found within the Chocó Biogeographical Region of northwestern South America. Its breeding and year-round distribution extends along the Pacific slope, encompassing western Colombia from the departments of Chocó and northern Antioqu...
Least Concern
- Known for its remarkable ability to perch silently and almost invisibly despite its vibrant plumage. - Its specific epithet "comptus" is Latin for "adorned" or "elegant," aptly describing its striking appearance. - Unlike many tropical birds, Trogons are not strong fliers; they typically make s...