Harpactes ardens
The Philippine Trogon (*Harpactes ardens*) is a stunning, medium-sized bird endemic to the Philippine archipelago, renowned for its brilliant plumage and upright posture. Measuring around 32 cm (12.5 inches) in length, males are spectacularly adorned with iridescent metallic green upperparts, a distinct blue bill, and vibrant crimson-red underparts that extend from the belly to the undertail coverts. A prominent black chest band separates the red from the blue-black head and throat, while its...
Found primarily in primary and secondary broadleaf evergreen forests, from lowlands up to approximately 2,000 meters in elevation, though more commonly below 1,000 meters.
Feeds predominantly on large insects such as mantises, grasshoppers, beetles, and caterpillars, supplemented with small fruits and berries.
Philippine Trogons are typically solitary or encountered in pairs, maintaining a rather sedentary lifestyle. They are primarily arboreal, perching upright and often remaining motionless for extended periods, blending seamlessly with their forest environment despite their vibrant colors. Foraging ...
The Philippine Trogon is endemic to the Philippines, where it is found across many of the major islands. Its distribution includes Luzon, Catanduanes, Samar, Leyte, Bohol, Mindanao, Basilan, and Dinagat. Three subspecies are recognized, each with a distinct geographic range: *H. a. ardens* is fou...
Least Concern
- The Philippine Trogon is the only trogon species found anywhere in the Philippines, making it a unique endemic. - Trogons possess heterodactyl feet, meaning two toes point forward (the third and fourth) and two point backward (the first and second), a unique arrangement among birds. - Despite t...