Welcome back, birding enthusiasts, to another feathered friend gracing our Costa Rican mountain retreat! Today, we turn our binoculars towards the vibrant Black-headed Trogon, a stunning resident that frequents not only our lush rainforests but also stretches across much of Central America.

A Sight to Behold

The Black-headed Trogon (Trogon melanocephalus) is a medium-sized bird, reaching about 11 inches in length. Despite its name, the true showstopper lies in the contrasting colors between the sexes.

• Males: These gentlemen sport a striking black head and chest, boasting an iridescent blue-green sheen on their nape, back, and wings. This dazzling display is sure to catch your eye as they flit through the trees.
• Females: While lacking the male’s flamboyant head, females are no less beautiful. They showcase a slate-grey upper body, a thin white line separating their chest from their bright yellow underparts, and a sky-blue eye ring – a charming detail they share with the males.

A Vocal Bunch

The Black-headed Trogon isn’t shy about making its presence known. Their most common call is a loud series of accelerating clucks, often sung in pairs or even small groups. Listen for this lively chatter as you explore the rainforest canopy.

Habitat Hopping

While the Black-headed Trogon prefers the embrace of subtropical and tropical forests, they are surprisingly adaptable. You might encounter them in:

• Subtropical Dry Forests: These drier woodlands offer a different habitat, but the Black-headed Trogon thrives here too.
• Moist Lowland Forests: The dense vegetation of these rainforests provides the perfect environment for the trogon to find food and shelter.
• Degraded Forests: Even in areas where human activity has impacted the forest, the Black-headed Trogon shows resilience, making the most of the remaining trees.

A Life on the Perch

Birdwatchers, keep your eyes peeled for the Black-headed Trogon perched on mid-to-upper levels of trees. These patient hunters wait for their prey, consisting of insects and fruits, before launching short sallies to snag their meal.

Nesting Habits

Uniquely, the Black-headed Trogon doesn’t build its own nest. Instead, they rely on abandoned termite nests, excavating cavities within these structures to raise their young.

Encountering the Black-headed Trogon

While widespread, the Black-headed Trogon isn’t the most common bird in Costa Rica. However, their vibrant colors and lively calls make them a true delight to encounter. Here at our mountain retreat, nestled amidst the rainforest canopy, you have a great chance of spotting this dazzling bird. Keep an eye out for flashes of yellow and black flitting through the trees, and listen for their characteristic clucking calls. With a little patience, you might just be rewarded with a glimpse of this captivating creature.

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

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