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Photo: © Carla Bregman eBird S35430500 Macaulay Library ML 52403911
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Black-tailed Trogon

Trogon (melanurus) malanurus
Trogón Colinegro
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Song

Black-tailed Trogon

Appearance: The Black-tailed Trogon is a medium-sized bird measuring about 25 centimeters in length. It has a distinctive appearance with a black body, a white throat, chest and belly, and a bright red lower bill. The most prominent feature of this bird is its long tail, which is black on the upper side and white on the underside.
Habitat: The Black-tailed Trogon can be found in a variety of forested habitats, including tropical and subtropical forests, as well as wooded savannas. They typically inhabit dense vegetation and can be found at different altitudes.
Behavior: Trogon birds are known for their distinctive calls, which are often used to communicate with each other and establish territories. They are also known for their perching behavior, where they sit quietly on branches and watch for insects and small fruits to feed on.
Breeding: Black-tailed Trogons are monogamous birds. They build their nests in tree cavities or abandoned woodpecker holes, where the female lays 2-3 eggs. Both parents take care of the eggs and the young birds after they hatch.
Conservation Status: The conservation status of the Black-tailed Trogon in Colombia is currently listed as "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
MALE
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Male Photo: © Carla Bregman eBird S35430500 Macaulay Library ML 52403911
FEMALE
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Female Photo: © Chuck Gates eBird S36188138 Macaulay Library ML 55414231

Distribution

Andean Region: The Andean region of Colombia, which includes the Eastern Andes, Central Andes, and Western Andes, is one of the primary habitats for the Black-tailed Trogon. This region provides a variety of forested habitats at different altitudes where the trogons can thrive.
Orinoco Region: The Orinoco region in eastern Colombia is another area where the Black-tailed Trogon can be found. This region includes diverse habitats such as tropical forests, savannas, and wetlands that provide suitable conditions for these birds.

Taxonomy

The Black-tailed Trogon (Trogon (melanurus) melanurus)
  • Kingdom: Animalia 
  • Phylum: Chordata 
  • Class: Aves (Birds) 
  • Order: Trogoniformes 
  • Family: Trogonidae 
  • Genus: Trogon 
  • Species: Trogon (melanurus)
  • Subspecies: melanurus

Vocalization

Calls: The Black-tailed Trogon produces a variety of calls, including soft, low "whoo" or "cu-coo" sounds that are repeated at intervals.
Advertising Call: Male Black-tailed Trogons often use an advertising call to attract females and establish their territories. This call is a series of repeated notes that can be heard from a distance, signaling their presence in the area.
Alarm Call: When threatened or alarmed, Black-tailed Trogons emit sharp, high-pitched calls to warn other birds in the vicinity of potential danger. These alarm calls can vary in intensity, depending on the level of threat perceived.
Contact Calls: Black-tailed Trogons also use contact calls to communicate with their mates or offspring while foraging or moving through the forest. These calls help maintain contact and coordinate their activities.
Duets: During the breeding season, Black-tailed Trogons may engage in duets, where both males and females vocalize together. These duets are believed to strengthen the pair bond and may serve as a means of territorial defense.