The Elegant Trogon or Holy Grail Bird is a spectacular bird that many people hold as reverent. Though of least concern, this avian is one that is sooner seen than heard, and once you are within earshot of it, which can actually be quite a distance, you will know it immediately. It's bark is unforgettable and very loud.
Resident is several locations, especially at the Sky Islands of Arizona, as well as Madera Canyon, the Elegant Trogon nests in old woodpecker holes in sycamores and enjoys canyon life.
With only two eggs in an average clutch in the four major mountains of the Arizona-Sonora borderlands, the love affair with the area began nearly a century prior.
The unparalleled male of the species boasts nine colors and once the sunlight hits him at the best position, green to azure blue reflects upon him, casting a tenth hue. The female's colors are much more sober, the term "copper-tailed," having arisen from her coloration. The young bird is adapted strictly for camouflage and is undefined, which seems to protect it from predation.
The medium sized birds have a wingspan of approximately a foot, with their weight at their advantage. They can snatch fruit or a prey item while hovering, then buoyantly retire to a perch to consume or share same.
They have sensory prowess and can remain silent, observing the watcher as much as they are being surveyed. Like many birds, they can hear a mate calling for roughly a half mile. They vocalize quite frequently in the spring for territorial reasons, and then the duet begins with the female, prior to nest selection. Pair bonding also fits into this scenario, and it all becomes necessary when trees leaf out as the year progresses.
These ae dramatic birds in more than one way, and sometimes, it could well be that they also wish to be seen and heard for vanity reasons. However, life can quickly come to a standstill with audio intrusions for insipient unwelcome human behaviors.
Since these beautiful birds are canyon dwellers, they are protected by most climate extremes due to shield and shade. Since they are also cavity nesters, that also dampens other negative effects due to climactic action.
Much study has been undertaken on these birds for good reason, and there is still much to be learned as we continue weather shifts and other anomalies that have not yet been recorded and studied for any great length of time.
This photo at the bottom was courteously provided by Skye Bloodgood of AZ. Thank you, Skye, and the work that you represent for helping birds.
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