Priotelus roseigaster
The Hispaniolan Trogon (*Priotelus roseigaster*), often recognized as Haiti's national bird, is a striking avian jewel endemic to the island of Hispaniola. Measuring 28-32 cm (11-12.6 inches) in length and weighing 65-88 grams (2.3-3.1 oz), this medium-sized bird captivates with its iridescent plumage. Males boast an iridescent green back, a brilliant blue crown, a white throat, and a vibrant rose-red belly, contrasting with blackish primaries and uniquely serrated white outer tail feathers b...
Found primarily in subtropical and tropical moist montane forests, cloud forests, and pine forests, ranging from 500 to 2,500 meters in elevation.
Their diet consists mainly of large insects such as mantises, grasshoppers, beetles, and caterpillars, supplemented by various wild fruits and berries.
Hispaniolan Trogons are diurnal birds, typically solitary or found in pairs, often perching motionless for extended periods, making them surprisingly difficult to spot despite their bright colors. Their foraging strategy primarily involves 'sallying' from a perch to snatch large insects in flight...
The Hispaniolan Trogon is strictly endemic to the island of Hispaniola, encompassing both Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Its distribution is fragmented, primarily inhabiting suitable montane forest habitats within the central and western cordilleras of the Dominican Republic, including the Cor...
Near Threatened
- The Hispaniolan Trogon holds the distinction of being the national bird of Haiti. - It is one of only two species in its genus, *Priotelus*, with its close relative, the Cuban Trogon, being the other. - Its bill possesses unique serrated edges, which are believed to aid in gripping slippery ins...