Narina Trogon
Apaloderma narina
Forests. Glossy-green head, breast and upperparts; scarlet-red below. Female lacks green breast; bill greenish-yellow.
Trogons
LC
Not Endemic
Description
Fairly common resident. The only forest bird with scarlet underparts and iridescent green upper parts. The bill is pale yellow; the head shows turquoise-blue skin patches when breeding. Male inflates throat when calling. The immature resembles the female, but breast and shoulders lightly barred. In flight, the long, square-ended tail with striking white outer feathers is obvious. Difficult to locate in its forest habitat, since it often perches with its green back towards the observer. In the breeding season (Oct–Dec) it can be located by its call, a low ‘hoot-hoot… hoothoot… hoot-hoot’ repeated regularly and slowly. Usually occurs in pairs in evergreen forests or adjacent plantations (at high altitudes only in summer). Moves away from high-altitude haunts in winter; may then be encountered in lowland riverine forests and gardens.
Quick Facts
Size
29-34 cm - M
Names
A: Bosloerie
Z: umjenenengu
Ss: Tsoko
G: Narina-Trogon, Zügeltrogon
Bird Family
Among the world's most colourful birds, trogons are found in Africa, America and Asia. They have weak feet with two toes directed forwards and two backwards. The skin of trogons is delicate and easily torn, while the feathers drop out easily if the bird is handled. In museum specimens, the red breast-coloration fades if exposed to light for long periods.
Distribution
Gallery
Behaviour
Breeding
Habitat
Usually occurs in pairs in evergreen forests or adjacent plantations (at high altitudes only in summer).
