How to identify the Gartered Trogon

To correctly identify the Gartered Trogon (Trogon caligatus), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

23-25 cm

Wingspan

30-35 cm

Weight

45-65 g

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Male: Iridescent green head, back, and upper breast, transitioning to blue on the rump. A narrow white band separates the green breast from the bright red lower breast and belly. The undertail is white with fine black barring. The upperwing coverts are finely vermiculated black and white, giving a grayish appearance. Female: Slate-gray head, back, and breast, with a duller red belly. The undertail is white with broader black barring. The upperwing coverts are finely vermiculated black and buffy-white, appearing brownish-gray.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Short, stout, and slightly hooked bill, typically yellowish-orange in males and duller yellow to grayish in females.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Dark brown, surrounded by a prominent orbital ring. Males have a bright yellow orbital ring, while females have a duller yellow to grayish orbital ring.

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Grayish-brown to dark gray.

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   Males: Bright yellow orbital ring, iridescent green upperparts, and a distinct white breast band separating green from red. Females: Dull yellow orbital ring, slate-gray upperparts, and a less defined breast band.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles resemble females but are generally duller, with less distinct markings. Young males may show hints of green on the back and a yellowish wash on the belly, while young females are more uniformly brownish-gray.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   No significant seasonal plumage changes; plumage remains consistent year-round.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Highly sexually dimorphic. Males are much more brightly colored with iridescent green and blue, a bright yellow orbital ring, and a vivid red belly. Females are predominantly slate-gray with a duller red belly and a less conspicuous orbital ring.

Key field marks

• Size and Shape. Medium-sized, compact bird with a relatively large head, short, stout bill, and a long, broad tail. They typically perch upright.
• Male Plumage. Look for the iridescent green head, back, and upper breast, bright yellow orbital ring, a narrow white breast band, and a vivid red lower breast and belly. The finely barred black and white undertail is also a key feature.
• Female Plumage. Identify by the slate-gray head, back, and breast, duller yellow orbital ring, and a duller red belly. The undertail is white with broader black barring.
• Vocalizations. Listen for the characteristic soft, mournful, and often accelerating 'cow-cow-cow' or 'kwa-kwa-kwa' calls, which are often the first indication of their presence.
• Behavior. Observe their typical behavior of perching motionless for extended periods, often in the mid-story of the forest, before making short sallies to catch insects or pluck fruit.

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