Arizona is a bucket list destination for birders, not only because of the unique, year-round residents, but also for the migratory visitors. One specific traveler has people flocking to southeast Arizona for a chance to catch a glimpse. This rare bird is called the trogon. Because they are so reclusive, there is little known about them, which adds to the intrigue for birders and biologists alike. What is known, however, is that they frequent Cochise County from April to November before returning to their Central American home in the winter. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or pulling out your binoculars for the first time, the search for the trogon is an exciting endeavor to include in your Arizona adventure.
The Trogonidae family is made up of 46 species, mostly found in tropical regions around the world. The Elegant Trogon, however, is the only species found to travel as far north as southeast Arizona. The word trogon comes from the Greek word for “nibbling” due to the way that these birds burrow into trees to nest like woodpeckers or their cousin, the owl. In addition to burrowing in trees to nest, they are also insectivores and use their hard, hooked bill to forage for tree dwelling bugs.
Despite hiding in trees and being generally elusive, the Elegant Trogon is very flashy in its coloring. With iridescent green head and back, striking red belly, and unique striped tail feathers, the Elegant Trogon looks like it belongs among parrots and toucans, which makes it all the more exciting to spot one in southwest Arizona. Like the mesmerizing colors of the hummingbird, the Trogon gives us a taste of the colorful, tropical environment of Central America in the deserts and mountains of the southwest.
Along with its unique colors, the trogon is also known for its distinguishable call. The song of the Elegant Trogon is more of a repetitive bark, that some even compare to a seal. Among the descending trill of the Canyon Wren and the cackle of the Acorn Woodpecker, the barking Trogon certainly stands out.
Like most birds, the trogon prefers to spend its time high up in the canopies of trees. Not only do trees provide food and nesting opportunities, they also give this shy bird cover from hungry predators and curious ornithologists. Specifically in Arizona, the Elegant Trogon was first spotted in the Huachuca Mountains in 1885. Since then, there have also been sightings in the Chiricahua Mountains and other areas around the San Pedro riparian zone. For some professional assistance in honing your search, consider stopping by the Ramsey Canyon Nature Preserve, where the trogon has been spotted by a lucky few. The helpful and informative staff will be excited to aid you in your pursuit.
When narrowing your search from the broader Huachuca and Chiricahua Mountains, look along streams and in pine-oak canyons. They enjoy hiding out in the hollowed branches of Sycamore trees and have even been spotted picking berries from the branches of Madrone trees.
Despite its namesake, the Elegant Trogon actually doesn’t carve out its own nest like other trogon species. Instead, they are considered secondary cavity nesters, occupying the abandoned burrows of other birds such as the Northern Flicker or Acorn Woodpecker. The dependance of the Trogon on burrowing birds such as the Acorn Woodpecker show the importance of biodiversity in our environments.
In addition to the woodpeckers and flickers of the area, there are many other avian neighbors to the trogon. In the San Pedro Riparian Conservation Area, you’ll also find birds as small as the Rufous Hummingbird all the way up to the lanky Whooping Crane. The rich environmental diversity of Cochise County draws many different species, which in turn makes it a paradise for birders too. So, even if the trogon evades you, just know there are many opportunities to see other incredible inhabitants.
Like many rare and endangered birds around the world, the Elegant Trogon represents much more than a prize to be sought after. They are a reminder of the unique beauty of nature and how lucky we are to have the ability to see uncommon and elusive inhabitants. They help us to develop respect and care for the environments we explore, as well as remind us to move more quietly, more intentionally, and more observantly through the world around us. Only then will you get the chance to spot the extraordinary.
