Cuban Trogon
Priotelus temnurus
Quick Facts
- Scientific Name: Priotelus temnurus
- Spanish Name: Tocororo
- Family: Trogonidae
- Known Nicknames: Tocororo, Tocoloro, Guatini
- Average Length: 23–28 cm / 9.1–11.0 in
- Average Weight: 60–80 g / 2.1–2.8 oz
- Wingspan: 35–40 cm / 13.8–15.7 in
- Key Feature: Distinctive notched tail feathers and a color palette of red, white, and blue that mirrors the Cuban national flag
- Primary Diet: Omnivore (Primarily Frugivorous and Insectivorous)
- Range: Endemic to the archipelago of Cuba, including the main island and Isla de la Juventud
- Habitat: Dry and moist lowland forests, mountain woodlands, and shaded thickets
- Social Structure: Solitary or found in monogamous pairs
- Nesting/Breeding: Natural tree cavities or abandoned woodpecker holes
- Statut de conservation : Préoccupation mineure (LC)
- Population Trend: Stable
The Cuban Trogon, locally known as the *Tocororo*, is the national bird of Cuba, celebrated for its vibrant plumage that mirrors the red, white, and blue of the nation’s flag. This medium-sized bird features a shimmering metallic green back, a crisp white breast, and a striking blood-red belly, all topped with a violet-blue crown. Its most distinctive physical characteristic is its long, sophisticated tail, which possesses unique scalloped or "notched" tips that give it a jagged, saw-toothed appearance found in no other trogon species. Beyond its beauty, the *Tocororo* is a powerful symbol of freedom; it is famously said to perish from distress if kept in captivity, preferring to remain a sedentary but soulful resident of Cuba’s lush forests and woodlands, where its rhythmic, repetitive call serves as a signature sound of the archipelago’s wild landscape.
Faits amusants
The Cuban Trogon is celebrated for its unique tail feathers, which feature jagged, scalloped edges that look as though they were trimmed with pinking shears. Beyond its patriotic plumage that mimics the colors of the Cuban flag, this bird is known for its peculiar habit of sitting motionless for long periods, a trait that makes it appear remarkably tame to observers. It possesses a rare "heterodactyl" toe arrangement—where the first and second toes face backward—providing a specialized grip for perching on vertical trunks. Interestingly, instead of landing to eat, it often hovers mid-air like a large, colorful hummingbird to pluck fruit and insects directly from the foliage.
Habitats et répartition
This species is endemic to the Cuban archipelago, where it is widely distributed across the main island, the Isle of Youth, and several offshore cays such as Cayo Coco and Cayo Romano. Its range encompasses nearly the entire national territory, from the western lowlands to the rugged eastern mountain ranges. It primarily inhabits both dry and moist broadleaf forests, as well as pine forests and dense coastal thickets. While adaptable to various altitudes, it shows a clear preference for shaded, humid environments and is particularly common in mountainous regions like the Sierra Maestra. The presence of mature trees with existing cavities is a critical component of its habitat, as it relies on these spaces for nesting.
Comportements & Reproduction
This species is primarily arboreal and characterized by its relatively sedentary nature, often perching motionless for long periods in the forest canopy. It maintains a monogamous social structure, with individuals typically found in pairs or small family groups. Their flight is distinctive, consisting of short, noisy, undulating bursts. When feeding, they exhibit a specialized hovering behavior to snatch insects or pluck fruits from trees, rather than foraging while perched. Reproduction occurs between April and July, during which pairs occupy natural tree cavities or abandoned woodpecker holes rather than excavating their own nests. A typical clutch consists of three to four white eggs laid directly on the floor of the cavity. Both parents participate actively in the reproductive process, sharing duties for incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks. This biparental care is essential for the survival of the young, which remain in the nest until they are fully fledged.
Alimentation
The Cuban Trogon, also known as the Tocororo, maintains an omnivorous diet that primarily consists of a variety of insects and seasonal fruits. These birds are particularly fond of caterpillars, beetles, and moths, which they often supplement with small berries and flowers found within the dense canopy of Cuba's forests. An interesting aspect of their feeding behavior is their remarkable agility; they are known to snatch prey and pluck fruit while momentarily hovering in mid-air, a specialized technique referred to as sallying. This aerial maneuver allows them to access food sources located on the underside of leaves or at the tips of thin branches where perching might be difficult. Additionally, while they are largely insectivorous and frugivorous, they have been observed consuming small lizards on occasion, demonstrating a flexible approach to nutrition that helps them thrive across their various island habitats.
Couleurs
The Cuban Trogon displays a vibrant palette of metallic green upperparts, a violet-blue crown, and a stark white chest that gives way to a brilliant red belly. Its wings are marked by distinct black-and-white scalloped barring, and its most unique feature is a long, dark tail with characteristic notched, jagged tips. These iridescent green tones provide camouflage within the canopy, while the overall red, white, and blue coloration famously mirrors the national flag of Cuba.
