Birds · Trogoniformes · Trogonidae

Cuban Trogon

Priotelus temnurus

Least Concern

The species is abundant and widely distributed; it faces no significant short-term risk. See full glossary

The Cuban trogon is the national bird of Cuba and a trogon endemic to the island. Its plumage carries exactly the colours of the Cuban flag: blue on the head and back, white on the breast and intense red on the belly. It nests in tree holes and in abandoned woodpecker holes, and eats fruit, flowers and insects. Its Spanish name comes from its call, a repeated to-co-to-co heard throughout the Cuban woods.

Weight

50 g – 75 g

Size

25 cm – 28 cm

Lifespan

10 years

Diet

Omnivore

Combines animal and plant food depending on availability.

Activity

Diurnal

Active mainly during the day.

Social structure

In pairs

Usually lives in pairs, sometimes for life.

Sighting difficulty

Easy

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Fun facts

historia culturalIts colours — green, white, blue and red — match those of the Cuban flag, which is why it is regarded as the country's national bird.
It is the national bird of Cuba for two reasons: it carries the colours of the flag in its plumage and, according to popular belief, it does not survive in captivity, which made it a symbol of the love of freedom.
Its Spanish name is onomatopoeic: the to-co-to-co call it repeats from inside the woods is one of the most recognisable sounds of the Cuban countryside.

Life cycle & biology

Skeleton type: Vertebrate - internal bony skeleton (bird)
Habitat & environment: Moist and dry forest, limestone hills, shaded coffee plantations and wooded areas throughout Cuba
Sexual maturity: 12 months
Gestation / incubation: 18 days of incubation
Litter / clutch size: 3 eggs

Sources consulted: https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Priotelus_temnurus