Masked Trogon

Overview

The masked trogon (Trogon personatus) is a mid-sized bird in the family Trogonidae. It is fairly common in the humid highland forests of South America and is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Males are glossy green, reddish-bronze, or golden-green above with red bellies, separated by a narrow white band.
• Females are brown above with pinkish to red undersides and a partial white eye-ring.
• Males possess a distinct red or orange eye-ring depending on the subspecies.
• The bird measures approximately 27 cm in length and weighs about 56 g.

Habitat

This species resides in humid highland forests, primarily within the Andes and tepuis. Its range covers Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, and Venezuela.

Diet

The masked trogon feeds on fruits and insects, consistent with the foraging habits of all trogons.

Did you know?

The bird excavates its cavity nest directly into the soft wood of a rotting vertical tree trunk.