Welcome, birding enthusiasts, to another exciting encounter with the phenomenal avian residents of Costa Rica! Today, we venture into the verdant embrace of the mountain forests, where a flash of emerald green might just catch your eye. It’s the Lattice-tailed Trogon (Trogon clathratus), a dazzling resident gracing the lower and middle canopy levels.

A Sight to Behold

Imagine a bird about 12 inches long, adorned with a crown of shimmering emerald green that cascades down its back and breast. That’s the male Lattice-tailed Trogon, a sight that will leave you breathless. The rosy red belly adds a vibrant contrast, making it a true jewel of the Costa Rican rainforest. But wait, there’s more! The folded wing unveils a mesmerizing pattern – a fine black and white vermiculation that creates a captivating, almost net-like effect, hence the apt name “Lattice-tailed.”

Spotting the Elusive Beauty

The female Lattice-tailed Trogon is no less remarkable. She trades the male’s vibrant green for a cooler, slaty-gray plumage, with a hint of olive on the breast. Her beak is also a darker shade compared to the male’s bright yellow.

While both sexes are stunning, the Lattice-tailed Trogon can be a little challenging to spot. They prefer the quiet seclusion of the forest interior, perched amidst the midstory and lower canopy at elevations between 90 and 1,360 meters. Their typical habitat is mature humid to wet foothill and lower mountain forests, but they can occasionally be seen at the edges or even in shady semi-open landscapes.

Listen for the Tell-Tale Call

Patience is key when searching for the Lattice-tailed Trogon. They are relatively inactive birds, often sitting perched for long periods, slowly turning their heads to scan for prey. But there’s a helpful trick! Listen for their vocalizations – a series of soft, whistled notes or a drumming sound. These calls can guide you towards their location within the dense foliage.

A Bird of the Mountains

The good news for birders visiting Costa Rica is that the Lattice-tailed Trogon has a fairly extensive range. You can find them along the Caribbean slope throughout Costa Rica, spilling over into western Panama. There are even isolated populations on the Pacific slope of Panama.

If you’re planning your Costa Rican birding adventure and the Lattice-tailed Trogon is on your target list, then look no further than the mountain retreats nestled within the lush rainforests. Our retreat here, nestled amidst the mountains, provides the perfect base for exploring the rich avifauna, and with a bit of patience and guidance from our experienced birding guides, you might just get a glimpse of this dazzling emerald gem.

So, keep your eyes peeled and your ears tuned as you explore the captivating mountain forests of Costa Rica. The Lattice-tailed Trogon, with its mesmerizing beauty and secretive nature, awaits those who appreciate the wonders of the avian world.

For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica

This post is also available in: Français (French) Español (Spanish)