Philippine Trogon

Overview

The Philippine trogon, Harpactes ardens, is the only trogon species endemic to the Philippines. Its Latin name, ardens, translates to burning, flaming, glowing, or fiery, likely in reference to its bright colors.

Identification

• The bird is described as having bright colors and plumage associated with the mythical Ibong Adarna.
• Its voice is often compared to a laughing horse's neighing.
• Subspecies vary in size, bill length, and specific color hues, with some having larger throat patches or maroon hues on the crown.

Habitat

Found in tropical moist lowland forest and the lower reaches of tropical moist mountain forest up to 2,000 meters above sea level, but most commonly under 600 meters. It is distributed across Luzon, Eastern Visayas, and Mindanao.

Diet

Primarily an insectivore that feeds on grasshoppers, stick insects, and praying mantises, with occasional consumption of small lizards and amphibians.

Did you know?

Despite its attractive plumage, the species is rarely kept in captivity and has no records in zoos because they do not survive, partly due to their specialized insectivorous diet.