Hispaniolan Trogon
Priotelus roseigaster
This strikingly colored denizen of montane woodlands (and less often, mangrove swamps) is rather sedate. It is often found sitting upright and rather motionless, typically in pairs. One's first impression is often of a rather long and largish bird with a brilliant red belly, emerald back, and blackish head. No similar species occur within its range. Song is a tremulous “whut-will,” with second note longer and trailing off at end. The first note is sometimes omitted and second note is sometimes given as doublet or triplet. Calls include a shrill “whee” and soft coos. Though rather vocal, calling birds are difficult to locate due ventriloquial quality of their vocalizations.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Priotelus roseigaster
- Authority
- (Vieillot, 1817)
- Order
- Trogoniformes
- Family
- Trogonidae
- Genus
- Priotelus
Range and habitat
Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, and heavily degraded forest. It is threatened by habitat loss. It is mostly confined to a few remaining protected areas. It inhabits rain, dry, pine and broadleaved deciduous forests. Several early records included mangrove swamps west of Miragoane but whether these were visitors or a resident population is unknown.It requires large, old decayed trees with holes for nesting. It primarily occurs at 500–3,000 m, but there appears to be some altitudinal migration with birds observed at lower elevations in winter. In Haiti, it is restricted to the Massif de la Hotte and Chaîne de la Selle, due to extensive habitat loss. It is still quite common in the Dominican Republic, especially in the relatively undisturbed Sierra de Baoruco, although there has been a moderately rapid population reduction, owing to deforestation.
- Migration
- Vertical migration
Behavior
Its foraging behaviour is presumed to be similar to that of other species of trogon: most food is taken in aerial sallies to fruit or to surrounding vegetation. The species primarily forages in the midstory of humid deciduous and pine forests. A study of mixed-species flocks on Hispaniola recorded two encounters with the Hispaniolan trogon, both of which were associated with mixed flocks.
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds

American Wigeon
Mareca americana
Breeding males have obvious white blaze on forehead and broad green slash behind eye. Females are plainer brown with rusty sides. Females are very difficult to distinguish from female Eurasian Wigeon; note colder grayish-brown head on American that contrasts with warmer orangey sides. Also look for brighter white, not gray, underwings in flight, but this can be difficult to judge, especially at a distance. Widespread and common in North America, occasionally wintering as far south as northern South America. Typically in flocks on lakes and wetlands, often grazing in nearby fields. Regular vagrant to Europe.

Streak-throated Hermit
Phaethornis rupurumii
Drab hummingbird with a white tipped tail found in northern South America, ranging west as far as eastern Colombia. Like other hermits, it has a dark mask bordered by buffy stripes and a long bill. The blurry dark streaks on its throat and breast help to separate it from other similar species. These streaks are variable, and on adult males they nearly form a solid dark patch, but females and young birds may only show a few small blotches. Found in a variety of habitats including seasonally flooded rainforest along the Amazon and drier and scrubbier forest in hilly terrain. Uncommon to rare in most of its range.

New Britain Boobook
Ninox odiosa
A small brown owl confined to New Britain with a dark brown head, prominent white eyebrows and throat patch, and orange-yellow eyes. Broad brown chest band contrasts with pale mottled whitish underparts. Upperparts and wings dark chocolate brown with scattered white markings. Occurs in forest and in modified patches and clearings, in the lowlands and foothills. Distinctive: the only small brown owl on New Britain. Song is a distinctive, incessant series of “whoo” notes, rising in volume toward the end.
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