Cuban Trogon
Priotelus temnurus
A splendid medium-sized inhabitant of woodlands; often found in pairs. Its iridescent blue-green back, smooth gray chest, and brilliant red belly easily distinguish it from all other species in range. Usually sits motionless near the middle level of the forest, but when feeding (typically on flowers and fruit) hovers conspicuously. Often found by its loud calls, which are somewhat varied. One common call is a “cu-cu-cu-cu-cu-cu,” often accelerating; another is a resonant quavering “cu-u-low,” given several times in succession.
Identification
The Cuban trogon is 23 to 28 cm (9.1 to 11 in) long and weighs 47 to 75 g (1.7 to 2.6 oz). Its plumage colors match those of Cuba's flag, and are the same for both sexes. The two subspecies also differ only slightly. Their beak is reddish pink with a dark culmen. Adults have a blackish face with reddish eyes, a dark metallic blue crown and nape, and a metallic green back and rump. Their cheeks, chin, and throat are white becoming clear gray on the breast and upper belly. Their lower belly and undertail coverts are red. Their tail is graduated, with the innermost feathers forming a point. The three innermost pairs of tail feathers are glossy blue-black with some bronzy highlights. The three outer pairs have blue-black bases and are mostly white beyond. The flight feathers and wing coverts are generally dark metallic green to black with a complex pattern of white spots. Juveniles have similar plumage to adults but generally are duller, with buffy gray underparts and reddish pink undertail coverts.
Taxonomy
The Cuban trogon shares its genus with the Hispaniolan trogon (P. roseigaster). It has two subspecies, the nominate P. t. temnurus and P. t. vescus.<p>In English the bird is commonly known as the Cuban trogon, while in Spanish, it is referred to as the tocororo. This local name is onomatopoeic, and was derived from its repeated call, "toco-toco-tocoro-tocoro". It is the national bird of Cuba.
- Scientific name
- Priotelus temnurus
- Authority
- (Temminck, 1825)
- Order
- Trogoniformes
- Family
- Trogonidae
- Genus
- Priotelus
Range and habitat
The nominate subspecies of the Cuban trogon is found throughout the main island of Cuba and on several large cays off the Camagüey Province shore. P. t. vescus is found only on Isla de la Juventud (Isle of Pines). The species inhabits both primary and secondary forest and also shrublands and smaller woodlands near watercourses. It favors humid shady areas within those landscapes and occurs at all elevations but is most common at higher ones.
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
The Cuban trogan is mostly sedentary but makes seasonal local movements in elevation or in response to the availability of food. Their flight style is rather choppy and noisy.<p>The Cuban trogon is usually found in pairs though sometimes in groups of three or four. They seem "indifferent to human presence in the immediate vicinity."<p>The Cuban trogon usually forages at the middle level of the forest; it takes food by sallying from a perch or by hovering at foliage or fruit. Its diet is mostly insects, fruit, and buds but it also feeds small lizards to young.<p>The Cuban trogon's breeding season is mostly April to July. It nests in natural cavities or abandoned woodpecker holes, usually in trees but sometimes in arboreal termitaria. The clutch size is three or four eggs. The incubation period is about 18 days and fledging occurs about 21 days after hatch <p>The Cuban trogon's song is "a pleasant toco-toco-tocoro-tocoro..., repeated for long periods at frequent intervals." It also gives "a steady, rapid series of staccato notes" and "a low and short mournful call that makes it difficult to locate."
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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Drab brown songbird with a streaky white breast. Also note streaking on crown. Tends to perch rather upright on exposed snags and other perches, often sallying out to snatch insects and returning to the same perch (“flycatching”). Favors open mixed and deciduous woodland with clearings, as well as scrub, parkland, larger gardens, and plantations. Song is composed of high-pitched squeaky single or double notes, often with a trilled quality. Calls include high-pitched “tseet” and descending “djeer” notes.
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Elegant medium-sized tern with a slender yellow-orange bill and black crown. Can be confused with Great Crested Tern; note proportionally longer, more orangey bill on Lesser Crested. Also note gray upperwing, which separates it from Sandwich Tern. Gray rump and tail are diagnostic if seen well. On juveniles, note dull legs, secondaries with dark centers, and a weakly patterned upperwing. Strictly coastal, usually found on beaches and estuaries. Call a noisy “kerrrick.”
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Miniscule yellow weaver with an unusually long and slender bill. Breeding males have a clean black face mask and yellow underparts. Females have a clean, pale-yellow head, unlike other weavers. Found in wetland habitats including swamps, marshes, and mangroves, and sometimes in adjacent savanna or scrub. Usually in pairs or small groups; not as social as some weavers. Vocalizations are typical of weavers: “chet” notes and a sizzling, “radio static” song. Most similar to Little Weaver, but found in different habitat, and has a much longer bill. Separated from all other weavers by its small size and bill shape.
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