How to identify the Surucua Trogon

To correctly identify the Surucua Trogon (Trogon surrucura), 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

26-28 cm

Wingspan

35-40 cm

Weight

56-72 g

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Male: Head and upper breast iridescent blue-black to dark blue-green, depending on light. White breast band separates upperparts from bright red lower breast and belly. Back and rump metallic green. Wings finely vermiculated black and white. Tail dark blue-green with white tips to outer rectrices. Female: Head and upper breast dark gray. White breast band. Lower breast and belly reddish-orange. Back and rump olive-brown. Wings finely vermiculated black and white. Tail dark with narrow white tips to outer rectrices.

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 distinct orbital ring. Male has a prominent orange-yellow orbital ring, while the female's is duller yellow or grayish.

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Grayish-pink to dull gray.

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   The combination of iridescent upperparts, a white breast band, and brightly colored underparts (red in males, reddish-orange in females) is characteristic. The prominent orbital ring is also a key feature.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles resemble females but are duller overall, with less distinct coloration and often mottled or barred underparts. The orbital ring is less developed.

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.

   Strongly sexually dimorphic. Males have iridescent blue-black/green heads and bright red bellies. Females have gray heads and reddish-orange bellies, with olive-brown backs.

Key field marks

• Plumage Coloration (Male). Look for the iridescent blue-black to dark blue-green head and upper breast, metallic green back, white breast band, and bright red lower breast and belly. The finely vermiculated black and white wings are also distinctive.
• Plumage Coloration (Female). Identify by the dark gray head and upper breast, olive-brown back, white breast band, and reddish-orange lower breast and belly. The finely vermiculated black and white wings are present here too.
• Orbital Ring. Note the prominent orange-yellow orbital ring in males and the duller yellow to grayish ring in females. This contrasts with the dark eye.
• Vocalization. Listen for the characteristic soft, mournful, and often accelerating 'cur-cur-cur-cur-cur' song. This is often the first indication of its presence.
• Perching Behavior. Trogons typically perch upright and motionless for extended periods in the mid-story of the forest, making them difficult to spot despite their bright colors.

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