Cinnamon-rumped Trogon

Overview

The cinnamon-rumped trogon (Harpactes orrhophaeus) is a species of bird in the family Trogonidae known for its colourful plumage. This non-migratory species is currently classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss.

Identification

• Approximately 25 cm in length, with males possessing a black hood, distinct blue bill, and pale brown (cinnamon) backs and tails.
• Males feature pink underbellies, while females and juveniles have a dark brown hood; the under-tail coverts are white bordered by black.
• Vocalisations include a short, sharp cry repeated 4–5 times, phonetically approximated as "ta-y-aup-ta-y-aup", with 10–15 second pauses between calls.

Habitat

Found in Southeast Asia, specifically in Peninsular Malaysia, Thailand, and Borneo, this species requires undisturbed forest habitat. It inhabits moist tropical lowlands and piedmont areas, ranging from sea level on the Thai-Malay peninsula up to 1,500 metres on Borneo.

Diet

The diet consists mostly of insects, with a preference for cicadas and many phasmids, as well as stick and leaf insects. Trogons typically hunt alone, though they have occasionally been observed foraging in smaller groups.

Did you know?

During breeding, these birds create their own nesting holes in the lower parts of rotten trees situated just 1–1.5 metres high.