Blue-crowned Trogon

Fascinating facts about the Blue-crowned Trogon

• At just 24 cm long, about the length of a school ruler, the blue-crowned trogon packs a weight of only 39-63 g, roughly the mass of two AA batteries. Its male flaunts a glossy green-blue crown, turquoise-green nape and a metallic bronzy back, while the female swaps those hues for muted grey. The male has a striking white breast band that separates a rosy red belly from the rest of the plumage.
• First described by Carl Linnaeus in 1766, the blue-crowned trogon carries a name that traces back to a 1648 illustration by Georg Marcgrave, who called the bird "Curucui." The specific epithet derives from "Surucui," an extinct Tupi word meaning "small bird." A 2008 molecular study placed it as the sister species to the yellow-bellied Guianan trogon.
• Across its Amazonian range, the blue-crowned trogon inhabits everything from flooded várzea forests to dry semi-deciduous woodlands, occupying every forest layer from understory to canopy. In the northern part of its range it rarely climbs above 500 m (1,600 ft), yet in Argentina it soars to 1,500 m (4,900 ft) and in Bolivia reaches 1,750 m (5,700 ft).
• Breeding timing shifts dramatically across the trogon's range: in Colombia nests appear as early as May, while in Argentina the season stretches from October to December. The birds excavate their nests in cavities of arboreal termitaria. Each clutch holds just two or three eggs.
• The blue-crowned trogon's menu mixes insects, spiders and a variety of fruits, and it sometimes joins mixed-species foraging flocks.

Sources

Every fact above was checked against these pages, and kept only where one of them states it.

• Wikipedia

At a glance

About the Blue-crowned Trogon

The Blue-crowned Trogon (Trogon curucui) is a striking avian jewel, resplendent in its vivid coloration that showcases a brilliant blue crown, contrasting with a rich green back and a white belly adorned with a delicate black band. Found primarily in the humid tropical forests of Central and South America, this bird thrives in environments that provide ample foliage for shelter and nesting. Its presence in the understory is often betrayed by its soft, melodious calls that echo through the dense foliage. Blue-crowned Trogons are known for their distinctive, slow flight, characterized by short bursts interspersed with gliding, allowing them to navigate the intricate labyrinth of their forest habitat with grace. Observers are often captivated by their curious nature, as these birds frequently perch low, surveying their surroundings with keen eyes, seemingly unbothered by the presence of human onlookers. Dietarily, Blue-crowned Trogons are primarily frugivorous, favoring a variety of fruits, but they are also known to consume insects and small vertebrates, showcasing their adaptability in foraging strategies. One surprising trait of this species is its unique nesting behavior; the female often chooses to excavate a cavity in decaying wood, a rarity among trogons, which typically prefer more traditional nesting sites. This behavior may provide enhanced protection for their young from predators while ensuring that they are well-hidden within their lush environment. As these captivating birds flit through their forest domains, they embody the intricate interdependencies of tropical ecosystems, drawing enthusiasts deeper into the wonders of their world.

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