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Collared Trogon

Trogon collaris

iNaturalist eBird Wikipedia

With its brilliant crimson belly and shimmering green plumage, the Collared Trogon is a jewel of the tropical forest. This patient hunter brings an exotic flair to the mid-story canopy, sitting motionless before striking with lightning speed.

0 Sightings

0 Habitats

Quick Identification

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Size

25–29 cm (9.8–11.4 in) long; wingspan approx. 35-40 cm (14-16 in); weight 41–70 g (1.4–2.5 oz)

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Colors

Males have metallic green upperparts, a bright red belly, and a narrow white chest band. Females are olive-brown with a similar red belly.

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Key Features

Bright red belly with a narrow white breast band
Metallic green or olive-brown upperparts
Finely barred black-and-white undertail feathers
Short, pale yellow bill with a black facial mask

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern Active during the day

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Peak hours 6:30-9:30 AM and 3:30-5:30 PM

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Season Year-round

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Diet Omnivorous; primarily feeds on large insects like caterpillars, cicadas, and beetles, as well as small fruits and berries from forest trees.

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Habitat Humid tropical and subtropical forests, cloud forests, and mature secondary growth near forest edges.

public Geographic range

Where Does the Collared Trogon Live?

The Collared Trogon is a hallmark species of the Neotropics, with a native range that begins in the tropical forests of central Mexico. It inhabits nearly every country in Central America and extends deep into the northern half of South America, including the Amazon Basin and the Atlantic Forest. You can find them across a massive geographic span from the Andean foothills of Colombia and Ecuador to the coastal forests of Brazil.

Basemap © OpenStreetMap contributors

10 Countries

11.2M km² Range

Least Concern Conservation

MX Mexico GT Guatemala CR Costa Rica PA Panama CO Colombia EC Ecuador PE Peru BR Brazil VE Venezuela BO Bolivia

Elevation range

0 m1,000 m2,000 m4,000 m

600 m – 2,500 m

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iNaturalist / Verified observation data

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Behavior

Collared Trogons are known for their patient, almost stoic behavior. They are often observed sitting perfectly still on mid-story branches for long stretches of time, occasionally tilting their heads to scan for prey. This 'sit-and-wait' strategy makes them masters of camouflage despite their bright colors, as they blend into the dappled light of the forest canopy.

When they hunt, they exhibit a specialized behavior called hover-gleaning. Instead of landing to eat, they launch into a short, acrobatic flight to pluck a fruit or snatch an insect directly from a leaf before returning to a nearby perch. They are generally solitary or found in pairs and are more often heard than seen, making a repetitive, hollow series of whistling notes that echo through the humid woods.

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Camera Tips

To successfully capture a Collared Trogon on a backyard or trail camera, focus on the 'mid-story'—the layer of vegetation between the ground and the high canopy. Mount your camera between 5 and 10 feet high, preferably on a tree trunk overlooking a relatively clear horizontal branch. Trogons love to use these open branches as 'launch pads' for their hunting sallies, and they will often return to the same perch repeatedly if the hunting is good.

While traditional bird feeders rarely attract trogons, you can lure them by placing your camera near native fruiting trees, particularly those in the Lauraceae family (wild avocados) or shrubs with small, fleshy berries. If you live in an area where they are active, look for dead tree stumps; Collared Trogons are cavity nesters and may investigate rotting wood or old woodpecker holes during the breeding season from March to July.

Settings are crucial for this species. Because they often sit in shaded, low-light environments, ensure your camera has a high-quality sensor that handles low light well without excessive grain. Use a fast trigger speed to catch them in motion, as their flight to grab fruit is incredibly quick. A 'no-glow' infrared flash is recommended for early morning or late afternoon shots to avoid startling the bird, as they are naturally shy and easily spooked by sudden light or movement.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Collared Trogon.

Masked Trogon

Found at higher elevations; the male lacks the distinct white breast band and has thicker white tail barring.

Elegant Trogon

Features a more coppery-green back and a distinctive white patch behind the eye.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Collared Trogons are diurnal, meaning they are active during daylight. Their peak activity occurs in the early morning shortly after sunrise and again in the late afternoon when temperatures cool and insects are more active.

The best way to attract them is by preserving mature trees and planting native berry-producing shrubs. They prefer quiet, shaded environments with 'layered' vegetation rather than open lawns. A steady supply of water in a secluded birdbath can also draw them in.

Their diet consists of a mix of protein and fruit. They eat large insects like beetles, grasshoppers, and caterpillars, which they often snatch from leaves while hovering. They also rely heavily on small tropical fruits and berries.

They are rarely found in urban centers but are quite common in 'leafy' suburban areas that border nature reserves, coffee plantations, or secondary forests. They require at least some dense canopy cover to feel secure.

The male Collared Trogon is best identified by its distinct, narrow white 'collar' at the breast and its more finely barred black-and-white undertail. Masked Trogons typically live at higher elevations and have broader white bands on their tail feathers.

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