Bar-tailed Trogon
Apaloderma vittatum
Typically beautiful green-and-red trogon. The bottom of the tail is heavily barred black-and-white, and this pattern can also be seen along the edges of the top of the tail. Found in moist montane forest. Usually seen singly or in pairs. Quiet and inconspicuous bird of the mid-story. Usually detected by song: a series of 6-15 downslurred “teew” notes, which becomes louder as the series progresses. Separated from other African trogons by the barred tail.
Identification
The bar-tailed trogon averages about 28 centimetres (11 in) long. The bill and feet are yellow, and the tail, long and broad as usual for trogons, has the underside narrowly barred with black and white. The male's head is blue-black with bronze iridescence. Below the eye are two yellow or orange patches of bare skin; above the eye is a yellow or grey patch. The upper breast is iridescent from violet to blue-green; the rest of the underparts are red. The back is green and the upper surface of the tail is blue-black or purple-black. The female's head is brown with less ornamental bare skin and its throat and breast are light cinnamon; otherwise it resembles the male. The immature is similar to the female, but has a white belly and pale spots on the wings formed by the tips of the wing coverts and inner secondaries.<p>The vocalisations are described as a yelping crescendo, "yaow, yow, yow, yow… or wuk-wuk-wuk-wuk…." The female gives "a whining chee-uu".
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Apaloderma vittatum
- Authority
- Shelley, 1882
- Order
- Trogoniformes
- Family
- Trogonidae
- Genus
- Apaloderma
Range and habitat
The bar-tailed trogon is found in Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. It lives in forests; at altitudes between 900 and 3,000 m (3,000 and 9,800 ft), is typically higher than that of the Narina trogon, but the two occur together in some places.
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
The bar-tailed trogon, similar to other trogons, feeds on insects and fruits.<p>The bar-tailed trogon breeding season occurs as the dry season ends at the rainy season begins (October and November). Yearlings are not known to mate or hold territories; however, there have been reports of them singing.
Conservation
The IUCN classifies the bar-tailed trogon as Least Concern but the species is experiencing a decreasing trend due to habitat destruction.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Yellow-headed Caracara
Daptrius chimachima
Adult is pale buffy with dark brown wings; juvenile is also buffy but with dark streaking all over. Note buffy wing patches in flight. Most similar to Laughing Falcon but only has thin dark line behind eye, not a full black mask. Much smaller than Crested Caracara, without dark cap. Found in open habitats, such as fields and river edges, where it often perches conspicuously. Can be found singly, in pairs, or in small family groups. Makes a harsh screeching noise.
Black-fronted Nunbird
Monasa nigrifrons
Fairly large, dark bird in lowland forest and forest edge. Bold red bill is striking. Similar to White-fronted Nunbird, but has a black face and is typically found in younger forest and forest edge rather than mature forest. Perches on open branches in the middle and upper levels of forest, sometimes remaining still for long periods. Often travels in pairs or groups, which frequently erupt into a cacophony of noisy, parrotlike warbles.
White-throated Screech-Owl
Megascops albogularis
Large screech-owl found in temperate forests, typically from around 2,300–3,400 m. Quite dark brown overall with small pale spots and bars covering head, back, and wings. Belly is paler tawny with dark streaks. White throat patch is usually obvious. Sexes similar. Strictly nocturnal and thus more often heard than seen; listen for a fairly short and slow series of toots that descends in pitch, often given as a duet.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.