Northern Black-throated Trogon

Identification

The northern black-throated trogon is a relatively small trogon, measuring 23 to 26 cm in length and weighing 50 to 59 grams. Like all trogons, it exhibits striking sexual dimorphism. Adult males are unmistakable: they feature a black face and throat, a pale blue orbital ring, and metallic green upperparts including the crown, back, and rump. Their upper breast is also metallic green, contrasting sharply with a bright yellow lower breast and belly. The wings show a complex pattern of black and white, and the tail displays a distinctive pattern of blue, black, and white with white tips on the underside.

Adult females are considerably more subdued in coloration, with mostly brown upperparts, a darker crown, and a lighter rump. Their face is brown with a whitish to pale blue orbital ring. Females retain the yellow belly of males but have a paler brown throat and upper breast. The bill is notably variable in females, ranging from black with some yellow to dusky yellow with some black, while males have a bright yellow to yellow-green bill. Both sexes have dark brown irises and bluish-gray legs and feet in adults.

Range & Habitat

The northern black-throated trogon is found from southeastern Honduras south through Nicaragua and Costa Rica to Panama, occurring on both the Caribbean and Pacific slopes. Its range extends into far northwestern Colombia's Chocó Department. This species is a year-round resident throughout its range, though it possibly moves downslope during periods of heavy rain.

The species primarily inhabits humid primary forest, with a preference for mature secondary forest from Costa Rica southward. Elevationally, it ranges from sea level to approximately 400 meters in northern Central America, mostly to about 900 meters but occasionally reaching 1,200 meters in Costa Rica, and up to 750 meters with peaks at 1,200 meters in Panama.

Behaviour & Diet

The northern black-throated trogon feeds primarily on insects, supplemented with fruit. It typically hunts in the forest understory to mid-story, capturing insects and plucking fruit by sallying or hovering from a perch before returning to eat. Notably, the species has been observed following troops of Central American squirrel monkeys, apparently to capture prey disturbed by their movement. Like other trogons, it perches erectly with its tail hanging downward and may remain motionless and quiet for extended periods.

The species produces a distinctive song of low, weak, mellow notes delivered in series of two to three notes, sometimes four, and rarely up to six, rendered as "cow cow" or "cow cow cow." It also utters a "churr" call. During breeding season, both members of a pair excavate a nest cavity in a decaying tree or stump, positioning it as high as 6 meters above ground. They lay two slightly glossy white eggs, with an incubation period of about 18 days and fledging 14 to 15 days after hatching. Both parents share incubation duties, provisioning, and brooding responsibilities.

Best Time & Places to See It

The northern black-throated trogon is a year-round resident throughout its range, making it potentially viewable at any season. Breeding season activity, particularly nest excavation, begins as early as mid-February, with egg laying continuing into June and July at lower elevations. The species is most readily encountered in humid primary forest and mature secondary forest habitats across its range from Honduras through northwestern Colombia.

Target humid lowland and foothill forests on both Caribbean and Pacific slopes of Central America and into Colombia. Scanning the understory to mid-story levels during early morning hours, when birds are most active, offers the best opportunities for observation. The species' preference for remaining perched and relatively still means patience and careful scanning are often rewarded.

Photography Tips

The northern black-throated trogon's brilliant plumage and contrasting male and female colorations make it an attractive photographic subject. Males, with their metallic green and vibrant yellow undersides framed by a black throat, are particularly striking. Position yourself to capture the distinctive pale blue orbital ring and the complex tail pattern, which is a diagnostic feature. Early morning light is ideal for rendering the metallic green tones accurately.

Since the species feeds by sallying from perches, position yourself near fruiting or insect-rich areas and wait patiently for it to return. The characteristic upright posture and hanging tail provide excellent compositional opportunities. Females, though subtler in coloration, offer an opportunity to document the species' remarkable sexual dimorphism. The variable female bill coloration is also worth capturing in detail.