The Elegant Trogon is a beautiful bird species that is highly prized among birdwatchers all around the world. This bird species is native to the southwestern region of the United States and parts of Mexico. Elegant Trogons have distinctive male and female plumages, with soft feathers that make them stand out from other bird species.
The male Elegant Trogon has a bright green head, back, and wings, with a red breast and belly. The female Elegant Trogon has a gray-brown head and back, with a red belly and breast. Both male and female Elegant Trogons have a white undertail with fine horizontal black barring.
Elegant Trogons are known to breed in Arizona Sycamores and other trees with cavities along riparian corridors within mid to higher elevation oak and pine forests. Traditional sites for Elegant Trogons to breed include Madera Canyon, Huachuca Canyon, and South Fork of Cave Creek in the Chiricahuas. Sometimes, these birds also spend their winters in the same areas or at lower elevations.
These birds are omnivores, meaning they eat a variety of fruits, berries, and small animals. During the nesting season, large insects such as cicadas, katydids, moths, grasshoppers, and caterpillars make up the bulk of their diet. They will also sometimes prey upon small vertebrates such as lizards.
The Elegant Trogon is one of the most highly prized sightings for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. These birds arrive in Arizona in April, and their unique appearance and behavior make them a popular sight among birdwatchers.
The Elegant Trogon is a stunning bird species that can be found in the southwestern region of the United States and parts of Mexico. Their distinctive male and female plumages, with soft feathers, make them stand out from other bird species. These birds are omnivores and eat a variety of fruits, berries, and small animals. The Elegant Trogon is a highly prized sighting for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, and their unique appearance and behavior make them a popular sight among birdwatchers.
Average Size of an Elegant Trogon
The elegant trogon is a species of bird that measures approximately 28–30 centimetres (11–12 in) in length and weighs around 60–78 grams (2.1–2.8 oz), with an average weight of 68 grams (2.4 oz). This bird exhibits sexual dimorphism, meaning that males and females have distinct plumages. Both male and female elegant trogons have a white undertail with fine horizontal black barring. To summarize, the elegant trogon is a medium-sized bird species with a weight range of 60-78 grams and a length of 28-30 centimeters.
Viewing Elegant Trogon in Arizona
The Elegant Trogon, a colorful bird with a distinctive call, can be spotted in Arizona’s mid to higher elevation oak and pine forests. They prefer to breed in trees with cavities along riparian corridors, particularly in Arizona Sycamores. Some of the traditional sites where the Elegant Trogon can be found include Madera Canyon, Huachuca Canyon, and South Fork of Cave Creek in the Chiricahuas.
During winters, Elegant Trogons might occasionally be seen in the same areas or at lower elevations. Hence, if you are looking to spot an Elegant Trogon in Arizona, keeping an eye out for them in these locations could enhance your chances of seeing one.
When to See Elegant Trogon in Arizona
The elegant trogon, a highly sought-after bird species amongst birdwatchers, can be seen in Arizona starting from April. This is the time when trogons migrate to Arizona from their wintering grounds in Mexico and Central America.
During the breeding season, which lasts from May to August, the elegant trogon can be spotted in the riparian areas of southeastern Arizona, particularly in the Huachuca Mountains and the Chiricahua Mountains. These birds prefer to inhabit areas that have tall trees, such as the sycamore, cottonwood, and oak, were they build their nests.
It is important to note that the elegant trogon is a sensitive species, and it is recommended to observe them from a distance to avoid disturbing them or their habitat. It is also advised to be respectful of their environment and to follow the guidelines set by local authorities and conservation groups.
To summarize, the elegant trogon can be seen in Arizona from April onwards, with the best chances of spotting them during the breeding season from May to August in the riparian areas of southeastern Arizona.
What Diet Do Elegant Trogons Follow?
The Elegant Trogon is classified as an omnivore, which means that it feeds on a diverse range of foods. Its diet primarily consists of fruits, berries, and small animals. During the nesting season, it mainly feeds on large insects such as cicadas, katydids, moths, grasshoppers, and caterpillars. However, it is also known to occasionally prey on small vertebrates such as lizards. Hence, the Elegant Trogon’s diet is diverse and includes both plant and animal matter.
Conclusion
The elegant trogon is a fascinating and highly sought-after bird species that can be found in select areas of Arizona. With its distinctive male and female plumages, soft feathers, and white undertail with fine horizontal black barring, it is a visually stunning bird. Breeding in Arizona Sycamores and other trees with cavities along riparian corridors within mid to higher elevation oak and pine forests, the elegant trogon is an omnivore that dines on a variety of fruits, berries, and small animals. Its diet during the nesting season consists primarily of large insects such as cicadas, katydids, moths, grasshoppers, and caterpillars, with occasional prey of small vertebrates such as lizards. the elegant trogon is an impressive bird species that continues to captivate birders and nature enthusiasts from around the world.
