The Elegant Trogon is a medium-sized bird found in southern Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of Mexico. This colorful bird has sparked concern in recent years over whether its populations are declining and if the species is endangered. In the opening sections of this article, we’ll look at some quick answers to key questions about the conservation status of the Elegant Trogon.
Is the Elegant Trogon currently endangered?
No, the Elegant Trogon is not currently listed as an endangered species. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Elegant Trogon is classified as Least Concern. However, some experts believe its numbers are decreasing and it may become threatened in the future.
What are the main threats facing the Elegant Trogon?
There are several potential threats contributing to the Elegant Trogon’s suspected population declines:
– Habitat loss and degradation – Trogon habitat in pine-oak woodlands is being lost and fragmented by urban development, agriculture, mining, and more. This reduces available habitat.
– Climate change – Rising temperatures and drought may affect trogon habitat over the long term.
– Predation – Nest predation by animals like squirrels, jays, and snakes may impact trogon reproductive rates.
– Human disturbance – Increased human recreation activities in woodlands may disturb nesting trogons.
Why do some scientists think the Elegant Trogon is declining?
While evidence is limited, some observations suggest Elegant Trogon numbers are decreasing:
– Christmas Bird Count data shows declining winter trogon sightings in Arizona over the past 40 years.
– Breeding Bird Survey data also indicates declines in Elegant Trogon detection rates since the 1960s.
– Local surveys in protected areas like the Chiricahua Mountains also show downward population trends.
– Anecdotal reports from birdwatchers say trogons seem less common than decades ago.
However, more robust scientific studies over broader areas are needed to better understand trogon population trends.
What conservation efforts are in place to protect the Elegant Trogon?
Current conservation actions focused on the Elegant Trogon include:
– Habitat protection in reserves like the Coronado National Forest. Trogon habitat areas are being safeguarded from development here.
– Restrictions on human access and activities in sensitive habitats during nesting season. This reduces disturbance.
– Monitoring programs to improve data on trogon populations, reproduction, and habitat use.
– Outreach campaigns to engage the public in trogon conservation and educate against removing wild nestlings.
– Planting native trees to improve the quality of degraded trogon habitat.
5 Key Facts About the Elegant Trogon
To provide further background on this vivid bird, here are 5 key facts about the Elegant Trogon:
Appearance
– Adult males have bright green upperparts, a red belly, and a yellow bill. Their colorful appearance gives rise to the name “elegant”.
Range
– Inhabits pine-oak woodlands in southeast Arizona, southwest New Mexico, and parts of northern and central Mexico.
Diet
– Feeds on insects, small reptiles, fruits and berries. Makes sallying flights from perches to capture prey.
Breeding
– Nests in tree cavities or decayed stumps. The female alone incubates 3-4 white eggs for about 18 days.
Conservation Status
– Classified as Least Concern but suspected to be declining. Loss of woodland habitat is a major threat.
Appearance and Identification
The Elegant Trogon is a medium-sized trogon species, measuring around 11 inches (28 cm) in length and weighing 2.5-3.5 oz (70-100 grams). Some key identification features include:
Adult Males
– Bright green upperparts and head
– Red belly and undertail coverts
– Blue-green band across breast
– Yellow bill, eye ring, and feet
– Broad white tip on otherwise black tail
Adult Females
– Grayish-brown upperparts
– Pinkish-brown belly and undertail coverts
– Yellow bill, eye ring, feet
– Narrow white tail tip
Juveniles
– Resemble adult female but duller colors
– Dark bill
– Buffy bars on upperparts and chest
The adult male’s vibrant plumage makes this one of Arizona’s most colorful birds. However females and juveniles are more nondescript. In flight, look for the trogon’s stiff, shallow wingbeats and short, squared tail. Calls are a low croaking “crr” and frog-like “kowp.”
Distribution and Habitat
The Elegant Trogon occupies a relatively restricted range centered on the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains of Mexico. Its distribution is fragmented, with three main disjunct populations:
Southeast Arizona
Most northern part of range, mainly southeast Arizona’s “Sky Islands” – isolated mountain ranges like the Santa Ritas and Huachucas. Reaches the northern limit here.
Southwest New Mexico
Very localized in the Animas Mountains along the Arizona-New Mexico border. Only a tiny foothold.
Mexico
Most widespread through west-central and eastern Mexico. Occurs south to Oaxaca. Northernmost populations are most threatened.
Across this region, Elegant Trogons are closely tied to specific habitat types:
Montane Pine-Oak Woodlands
Found in Madrean pine-oak forests and woodlands above 4,500 feet elevation. Nest cavities require large oak trees.
Tropical Deciduous Forest
In Mexico, occupies humid tropical deciduous forest in foothills of Sierra Madre. Requires tree cavities.
Riparian Woodlands
Sometimes found in cottonwood-willow riparian areas where they merge with oak woodlands.
Loss and degradation of these fragile woodland habitats is the greatest threat to the Elegant Trogon’s specialized needs. Climate change may also alter its montane habitats.
Diet and Hunting
The Elegant Trogon is an ambush predator that captures a wide variety of prey:
Insects
– Beetles, caterpillars, ants, bees, wasps, grasshoppers
– Major part of diet, especially during summer
Small Vertebrates
– Lizards, frogs, snakes, nestling birds and mice
– Important food for young
Fruit
– Wild berries and figs
– Eaten when abundant in late summer/fall
Hunting
– Perches quietly scanning for prey
– Makes swift sorties to grab prey in flight
– Returns to perch to eat larger items
Trogon’s wide gape allows it to swallow large prey whole. Hunting from perches allows them to conserve energy between aerial attacks. Their diverse diet provides nutrition year-round.
Breeding Behavior
The breeding season for Elegant Trogons extends from early spring into summer:
Courtship
– Begins in late March/early April
– Male displays to female with puffed out breast, raised crest, outstretched wings, and croaking calls
Nest Sites
– Requires cavities in trees or stumps, 10-40 feet high
– Entrance about 3 inches wide
– Often old woodpecker holes
Eggs
– Lays 3-4 smooth, elliptical white eggs
– Average dimensions: 1.1 x 0.9 inches
– Female incubates alone for 17-19 days
Young
– Both parents feed nestlings
– Fledge after 28-31 days in nest
– Dependent on parents for 2-3 weeks after fledging
Nesting Stage | Duration |
---|---|
Incubation | 17-19 days |
Nestling period | 28-31 days |
Fledgling dependence | 2-3 weeks |
The long nesting cycle means breeding birds are vulnerable to disturbance for 2-3 months. Access restrictions in key areas help reduce impacts during this critical period.
Population and Conservation Status
Determining the population size and conservation status of the Elegant Trogon is challenging:
Population Estimate
– Global population very roughly estimated at 1 million to 10 million individuals
– But little systematic data available on numbers and trends
Current Status
– Listed as Least Concern on IUCN Red List
– But suspected to be declining in parts of range
Population Trends
– Evidence for declines in Arizona based on Christmas Bird Count and other local data
– Trends uncertain elsewhere across fragmented range
Potential Threats
– Habitat loss to development, agriculture, climate change
– Nest predation and disturbance
– Highly specialized habitat needs
Conservation Actions
– Habitat protection in reserves
– Nesting season access restrictions
– Restoration of degraded habitats
– More survey data needed
Gaps in data on trogon numbers make assessing their population status difficult. While not currently endangered, habitat loss is likely reducing populations in parts of their range, especially Arizona. Continued conservation action and monitoring is important for this unique bird.
Conclusion
The brilliantly-colored Elegant Trogon faces an uncertain future. While not yet considered an endangered species, evidence suggests this specialized bird is declining in portions of its range, especially the northern edge in Arizona. Habitat loss, climate change, nest predation, and disturbance threaten populations isolated in “sky island” mountain ranges. More research and consistent monitoring of trogon numbers, reproduction, and habitat trends are badly needed. In addition, continued protection and management of pine-oak and tropical deciduous forest habitats will be crucial. Educating the public on threats and promoting conservation values will also help ensure the long-term survival of these elegant birds. Though not endangered currently, active steps must be taken to reverse suspected declines and prevent the Elegant Trogon from becoming imperiled in the future.