Birds · Trogoniformes · Trogonidae

Collared Trogon

Trogon collaris

Least Concern

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

The collared trogon is one of the most widespread trogons in the Americas, metallic green above with a red belly and a white collar separating the two. It stays motionless in the understorey for long stretches and sallies out to pluck fruit and insects in hovering flight. It nests in arboreal termite mounds and wasp nests, excavating a chamber inside them.

Weight

50 g – 80 g

Size

25 cm – 30 cm

Lifespan

12 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

RainforestMountainOmnivore Diurnal In pairs Bird Rainforest Mountain

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Fun facts

It nests inside active termite mounds and wasp nests: it digs a chamber into the structure, and the termites or wasps seal the wound around it without attacking it, giving the chicks a stable temperature and protection from predators.
Its stillness is its defence: it can stay motionless for several minutes turning only its head, and its iridescent green makes it practically invisible among the foliage.
Its skin is so thin and so loosely attached that it tears at the slightest contact, a classic problem for taxidermists and perhaps a defence against predators.

Life cycle & biology

Skeleton type: Vertebrate - internal bony skeleton (bird)
Habitat & environment: Understorey and middle storey of rainforest and cloud forest of tropical America
Sexual maturity: 12 months
Gestation / incubation: 18 days of incubation
Litter / clutch size: 3 eggs

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