Trogon -Trogons

Some of the most stunning and mysterious birds in the tropics, famous for their brilliant plumage, stillness, and unique lifestyle. Found across Central and South America, Africa, and Asia, trogons are most diverse in the Neotropics, where they light up the forest canopy with dazzling greens, blues, reds, and yellows. The name “trogon” comes from a Greek word meaning “gnawer,” which refers to their habit of gnawing out nesting holes in rotting trees using their beaks — despite not having the strong bills or feet of a woodpecker.

Trogons are famously still and silent for much of the day. They often sit motionless on a branch, head cocked slightly to one side, scanning for insects or fruit. Their short, weak legs make them poor walkers, so they stay perched and sally out to snatch prey midair or pluck fruit from branches. Their flight is fast but somewhat clumsy — more like a quick burst than graceful soaring. And their posture? Always upright, almost regal, like they’re posing for a royal portrait.

One of the coolest things about trogons is their weird toes. They have what’s called heterodactyl feet, which is unique to trogons alone: the first and second toes point backward, while the third and fourth point forward. This unusual arrangement helps them cling tightly to branches in the dense forest understory.

Their calls are usually low, cooing or hooting sounds, which can echo softly through the forest. Each species has its own distinctive rhythm — some sound like slow whistles, others like repetitive “cow” notes. You’ll often hear them before you ever spot them, especially since their stillness and camouflage make them easy to miss, despite their bright colors.