Black-tailed Trogon

Identification

The black-tailed trogon is a compact bird measuring 28 to 30 cm in length, weighing between 52 and 122 grams. Males of the nominate subspecies are striking birds, featuring a yellow bill, blackish face and throat, and a distinctive orange-red eye-ring. The crown, nape, and upperparts are vibrant green, with a green breast separated from a red belly and vent by a crisp white band. The tail displays a deep blue upper surface contrasting with a slaty gray underside, while the folded wings show fine vermiculation appearing gray at distance. Females are more subdued in coloration, with slaty maxillas and gray plumage replacing the male's green. They retain white arcs before and after the eye rather than the bold orange-red ring. Different subspecies show subtle variations in wing and tail coloration and patterning.

Range & Habitat

The black-tailed trogon occupies a vast range across Panama and northern South America, with different subspecies distributed across distinct regions. Populations extend from Panama east of the Canal Zone through Colombia and Venezuela, across the Guianas, and into Amazonian Brazil, with some populations reaching as far south as northern Bolivia and southeastern Brazil's São Paulo region. The species demonstrates remarkable habitat flexibility across its range, inhabiting humid lowland and foothill forests in Panama, rainforests in Venezuela and French Guiana, and diverse Amazonian forest types including transitional, swamp, gallery, terra firme, and várzea forests. Elevation preferences vary regionally: in Colombia west of the Andes it reaches 2,200 meters, while in Venezuelan lowlands north of the Orinoco it remains below 100 meters, though southern populations climb to 1,000 meters.

Behaviour & Diet

The black-tailed trogon is largely resident throughout most of its range, though Bolivian populations move seasonally between dry forests and lowland rainforests. This species feeds on a wide variety of insects supplemented by fruits, and occasionally small amphibians and reptiles. It displays flexible foraging behavior, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks in the canopy while also foraging in lower strata. Breeding seasons vary dramatically across the species' extensive range, from March in Panama to September and October in Peru. Birds nest in cavities within arboreal termitaria and possibly in decayed trees, typically laying clutches of two or three eggs. The species is vocal, producing a distinctive song consisting of "'kwo-kwo-kwo...' in series of up to 46 notes," along with a bubbly purring trill.

Best Time & Places to See It

The black-tailed trogon is generally common throughout its range and classified as Least Concern with stable populations. Its very large range and habitat flexibility make it accessible to travelers across much of Panama and northern South America. The species' varied breeding season across its distribution means suitable viewing opportunities exist year-round in different regions: March in Panama, through to September and October in Peru and other Amazonian areas. Primary and secondary humid forests, rainforests, and various Amazonian forest types all harbor populations, offering multiple venues for encountering this species.

Photography Tips

Photographers should focus on the male's striking plumage contrasts—the bold orange-red eye-ring against the blackish face, the white breast band dividing green from red, and the deep blue upper tail surface all provide compelling compositional elements. The species' habit of joining mixed-species canopy flocks offers opportunities for action shots, while lower foraging behavior provides alternatives when canopy birds prove difficult to access. Patience in scanning appropriate forest habitats, particularly during breeding season when birds are more vocal and active, increases chances of productive encounters. The species' preference for foraging at multiple heights means photographers should scan both high canopy and mid-story levels rather than focusing exclusively on one stratum.