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Photo: © Phil Kahler eBird Checklist S30687924 Macaulay Library ML 37580921
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Amazonian Trogon

Trogon (violaceus) ramonianus
Trogón Violáceo
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Song

Amazonian Trogon

Appearance: The Amazonian Trogon is a medium-sized bird with a distinctive appearance, characterized by a combination of vibrant colors. It typically has a glossy green back, a red belly, and a black and white striped pattern on its tail. Males and females of this species may exhibit sexual dimorphism, with males often displaying brighter and more colorful plumage than females.
Habitat: The Amazonian Trogon inhabits dense, tropical rainforests, including both lowland and foothill forests in the Amazon region. It prefers areas with tall trees, dense vegetation, and an abundance of insect prey, which are essential for its survival.
Behavior: Amazonian Trogons are primarily arboreal birds, meaning they spend most of their time in the forest canopy. They are often observed perching quietly on branches, searching for small insects, fruits, and other food items.  Trogons are known for their distinctive calls and vocalizations, which play a crucial role in communication and territorial defense.
Breeding: During the breeding season, male Amazonian Trogons may perform courtship displays to attract females. 
They build nests in tree cavities or thickets, where the female lays eggs and both parents take turns incubating them.  The chicks are cared for and fed by both parents until they are ready to leave the nest.
Conservation Status: The conservation status of the Amazonian Trogon in Colombia is of concern due to habitat loss and fragmentation caused by deforestation and human activities.
MALE
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Photo: © Phil Kahler eBird Checklist S30687924 Macaulay Library ML 37580921
FEMALE
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Photo: © Phil Kahler eBird S30687924 Macaulay Library ML 37580881

Distribution

Amazon Region: This region covers the southern parts of Colombia, including departments like Putumayo, Amazonas, Caquetá, and parts of Guainía and Vaupés. These areas have dense tropical rainforests that serve as ideal habitats for the Amazonian Trogon.
Orinoquia Region: Some parts of the Orinoquia Region, particularly in Meta and Guaviare departments, also host populations of the Amazonian Trogon. This region consists of a mix of savannas, wetlands, and forests where this species can be found.

Taxonomy

The Amazonian Trogon Trogon (violaceus) ramonianus
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Aves (Birds)
  • Order: Trogoniformes
  • Family: Trogonidae
  • Genus: Trogon 
  • Species: Trogon violaceus
  • Subspecies: ramonianus

Vocalization

Song: The Amazonian Trogon's song is a series of melodious and often repetitive notes that are used primarily by males to establish territory and attract mates. The song can vary in pitch, duration, and rhythm, but it is generally described as a soft, fluty sound that carries through the forest canopy.
Call: The trogon also has a distinctive call, which is used for various purposes such as warning of potential threats, communicating with mates, or signaling the presence of food. The call of the Amazonian Trogon can range from a short, sharp note to a series of trills or chirps.
Contact Calls: These calls are used by trogons to maintain contact with their mate or offspring, especially in dense forest habitats where visual communication may be limited. Contact calls are often softer and shorter than the bird's song or territorial call.
Alarm Calls: When threatened or disturbed, the Amazonian Trogon emits alarm calls to warn other members of its group or to deter potential predators. These calls are typically sharp, loud, and repetitive, serving as a signal for danger.