The Gartered Trogon (Trogon caligatus), formerly known as the Violaceous Trogon, is one of Costa Rica’s most vibrant and approachable forest birds. Common in lowland and foothill tropical forests on both the Caribbean and Pacific slopes, this trogon is often spotted perched quietly in the mid-story, scanning for insects and small fruits.
Males are unmistakable, displaying a bright yellow belly, a deep metallic blue-purple head and chest, and a greenish-bronze back that shimmers in sunlight. Their bold black-and-white barred tail underside is a key field mark, often revealed as they flick their long tail while perched. Females show more subdued tones, with a gray head and breast, but retain the distinct tail pattern and yellow belly.
The Gartered Trogon (Trogon caligatus), formerly known as the Violaceous Trogon, is one of Costa Rica’s most vibrant and approachable forest birds. Common in lowland and foothill tropical forests on both the Caribbean and Pacific slopes, this trogon is often spotted perched quietly in the mid-story, scanning for insects and small fruits.
Males are unmistakable, displaying a bright yellow belly, a deep metallic blue-purple head and chest, and a greenish-bronze back that shimmers in sunlight. Their bold black-and-white barred tail underside is a key field mark, often revealed as they flick their long tail while perched. Females show more subdued tones, with a gray head and breast, but retain the distinct tail pattern and yellow belly.