Beautiful Birds of Belize Blog – Post #15
- Scientific Name: Trogon massena
- Name in Spanish (Mexico): Coa Cola Oscura
- ABA 4-Letter Bird Code: STTR
- Family: Phoenicopteridae – Trogonidae
- Order: Phoenicopteriformes – Trogoniformes
About this Bird
The Slaty-tailed Trogon (Trogon massena) is a stunning bird species that is found in the tropical forests of Central America, including Belize. It is a medium-sized trogon, with a distinctive slaty-blue tail, a bright red belly, and a green back. The males have a metallic green head and upperparts, while the females are duller with a brownish-black head and upperparts.
Slaty-tailed Trogons are typically found in the understory of lowland and foothill forests, where they feed on a variety of insects, fruits, and small vertebrates. During the breeding season, which typically occurs between February and August, the males perform elaborate courtship displays to attract females. They build nests in tree cavities, usually using decaying wood, and lay 2-3 eggs per clutch. Both parents share the responsibility of incubating the eggs and caring for the young.
Despite their striking appearance, Slaty-tailed Trogons are generally not threatened and are considered to be of Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, they do face some threats from habitat loss and fragmentation due to deforestation and human activities, which can impact their availability of food and nesting sites.
>> Next Post on Monday, 4/24/2023 – Brown Jay
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