Black-Headed Trogon
Trogon melanocephalus
About This Species
A trogon of dry and semi-deciduous forest, woodland edge and scrub from Mexico to northern South America, typically seen perched upright and motionless on a mid-level branch. Its black head, yellow belly and barred wings are distinctive once spotted, though its habit of sitting still for long periods makes it easy to miss. A low, repeated croaking call given from cover is often the best clue to its presence.
Ethical Viewing Guidelines
- Because it perches quietly rather than fleeing at a distance, a slow, careful approach with frequent pauses is more effective and less disruptive than a fast walk toward a calling bird.
- Forest habitat protections vary by country across its range, so remain on established trails within reserves and avoid clearing vegetation for a photograph.
- Move away once a good view is obtained rather than lingering close to a nest cavity if one is located.
LCAvesTrogoniformesTrogonidae
Seasonal Activity
158,402 sightings · 2000–2026
Citizen science records via GBIF
All monthsThis month
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Trogoniformes
- Family
- Trogonidae
Photo
(c) Juan Bou Riquer, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA), uploaded by Juan Bou Riquer
CC-BY-NC-SA-4.0
Occurrence data from GBIF.