Black-headed Trogon illustration
Birdsong field guide

Black-headed Trogon

Trogon melanocephalus

A striking Neotropical bird characterized by its coal-black head, vibrant yellow underparts, and distinct pale blue eye-ring.

What it sounds like

An accelerating series of low, hollow 'cowp' or 'kuk' notes that often ends in a rapid, rolling rattle.

Reference call, compare with what you heard
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Rec. Homero Bennet · MexicoCC BY-NC-SAXeno-canto

Field notes

  • They frequently nest in active arboreal termite mounds, excavating a cavity with their broad bills.
  • The species exhibits heterodactyl feet, a unique arrangement where the first and second toes face backward.
  • Unlike many other trogon species, the Black-headed Trogon shows very little sexual dimorphism, with females closely resembling males.
  • They are primarily frugivorous and insectivorous, often plucking food from foliage during a brief hovering flight.
  • While sitting still, they have a habit of slowly pumping their long, squared-off tails.
Habitat
Tropical dry forests, humid lowland forests, and shaded plantations or second-growth areas.
Range
Eastern Mexico through Central America to northwestern Costa Rica.

Similar & commonly confused birds

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