Birds I Love - The Narina Trogon

Discovering the Narina Trogon

Southern Africa is a birding paradise, boasting a rich diversity of avian species that lure bird enthusiasts from around the world. Yet, amidst the vibrant plumage and melodious songs of the region's birds, one species stands out as a true gem of the Afrotropics – the Narina Trogon (Apaloderma narina).

Join us on a journey to discover this enigmatic bird and its remarkable characteristics.

Meet the Narina Trogon

The Narina Trogon is a medium-sized bird, measuring 32–34 cm in length, and belongs to the Trogonidae family. These birds are predominantly green and red, making them a striking sight in the forests and woodlands of the Afrotropics.

Despite being the most widely distributed among the three Apaloderma species, their numbers are locally threatened due to deforestation.

Sexual Dimorphism

One of the fascinating features of the Narina Trogon is its sexual dimorphism. Males are more brilliantly colored, displaying vivid amaranth red plumage on their undersides. The green gape and eye flanges on their bare faces add to their charm.

In contrast, females exhibit brown face and chest plumage, with duller red undersides. Immature birds resemble females but have distinct white tips on their tertials, and less noticeable gape and eye flanges.

Range and Habitat

These spectacular birds inhabit a broad range in Africa, from Sierra Leone to Ethiopia and east Africa to eastern and southern South Africa. They are versatile in their choice of habitat, from lowland to highland, valley to riparian forests, and tropical to temperate regions.

This adaptability places the Narina Trogon in the category of "Least Concern" regarding conservation.

Habits and Nesting

The Narina Trogon's diet mainly consists of insects, small invertebrates, rodents, and small reptiles. They are known for their grating, low repeated hoot, a call given by males in defense of territory or to attract mates. During courtship, males expand their bare, blue-green throat patch, and both sexes may fluff out their breast feathers.

These elusive birds nest in tree hollows, where both males and females incubate and brood their eggs. Their nesting habits are notoriously challenging to spot, and they typically lay 2-4 eggs.

The chicks remain in the nest for 25-28 days, and even after fledging, they continue to stay with their parents for several months.

Spotting the Narina Trogon

Narina Trogons are known for their elusive nature and their ability to remain still for extended periods, often with their back turned to potential threats. This makes them challenging to spot in their natural habitat, but also adds to the thrill of encountering one.

Conservation Status

The Narina Trogon is currently listed as "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to its large range and diverse habitat choices. While it is not facing significant population declines, ongoing deforestation remains a potential threat.

Interesting Facts

When threatened, Narina Trogons can secrete a foul-smelling liquid from the preen gland at the base of their tails.

The generic name "Apaloderma" refers to "thin-skinned," highlighting the family's delicate skin.

The species name, "narina," is believed to come from "Narina," the mistress of the French ornithologist François Le Vaillant.

Birding in Southern Africa

For birders, spotting a Narina Trogon in Southern Africa is considered a rare and special moment. It's not unusual for bird enthusiasts with hundreds of species on their lifetime list to still long for a glimpse of this spectacular species.

Conclusion

The Narina Trogon is a true testament to the wonder of Southern Africa's avian diversity. With its vivid plumage, elusive nature, and unique habits, it's no wonder that birders from around the world flock to this region in hopes of adding this special species to their lifetime birding list.

Whether you're a seasoned birder or a casual nature enthusiast, encountering the Narina Trogon is an experience you won't soon forget.

About The Author

Kyle Grobler is a passionate environmentalist and esteemed field guide from Potchefstroom. With an unparalleled love for nature, he boasts a vast collection of over 40,000 photos, illustrating his particular affinity for birds.

Known by many as the embodiment of a true bushman, Kyle has ventured through various South African game reserves and frequently explores the Vaal River's hidden treasures. As a new contributor to the Potch Gazette's environmental page, readers can anticipate immersive tales of Potchefstroom's natural wonders through Kyle's expert lens.

To see more from Kyle and his bush experiences you can also view his Youtube Channel here: Kyle Grobler Photography

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