Look! Behold the Cuban Trogon, gracefully performing a captivating ballet of vibrant plumage, adorned in hues reminiscent of emerald and ruby. This remarkable avian spectacle is a sight to behold, as its feathers shimmer and reflect the light, creating a mesmerizing display of natural beauty.
With each graceful movement, the Cuban Trogon enchants the onlookers, painting the air with an exquisite palette of colors. Its emerald wings flutter with elegance, while its ruby-colored crest adds a touch of regal splendor. Nature’s own masterpiece, the Cuban Trogon, showcases a dazzling performance that leaves spectators in awe of its vibrant charm and undeniable grace.
The Cuban trogon, scientifically named Priotelus temnurus, stands out with its exceptional appearance, making a striking impression. This distinctive bird, indigenous to the picturesque Caribbean island of Cuba, is celebrated for its shimmering feathers, distinguishable tail, impressive agility, and enchanting melodies.
A visual delight, the Cuban trogon demands attention with its strikingly vibrant colors. The male is adorned with a deep crimson on its head, neck, and upper breast, seamlessly blending into a breathtaking emerald green on its back, wings, and tail. The female, albeit missing the red head, retains the stunning emerald plumage and sports a multi-colored tail of considerable length.
This bird is distinguished from its Caribbean counterparts by its striking tail, which can extend to a length of 16 inches. The tail feathers radiate from the base, creating a unique fantail unlike any other in the region. The elongated feathers exhibit alternating stripes of black, turquoise, and scarlet, creating a magnificent display as the bird fans its tail in a sudden burst of color.
When it comes to courtship, the male Cuban trogon relies heavily on its vibrant tail. Perched high in the forest canopy, it unfurls its emerald wings in a swift motion and extends its flamboyant tail, revealing hidden streaks of turquoise and scarlet that leave spectators in awe. Simultaneously, the male bird delivers a melodious, flute-like song that echoes through the forest in a series of descending notes. If successful, a female nearby will respond, leading to a romantic rendezvous.
Once paired, the trogons commit to the arduous task of building a nest and caring for their offspring. They meticulously construct deep nest cups using tree bark and grass, securely placing them in the shelter of high tree forks. The mother bird lays a pair of small blue-green eggs, with both parents sharing the duty of incubation. Upon hatching, the chicks remain in the nest for several weeks under the vigilant guard of their protective parents. To nourish the fledglings, the parents embark on relentless insect hunts, feeding their young up to 50 times a day via regurgitation.
In times of threat, the Cuban trogon exhibits an intriguing behavior known as “sky dancing”. This dramatic act involves soaring high into the sky, executing a series of acrobatic twists and turns, before abruptly plummeting back into the safety of the tree canopy. This mesmerizing spectacle is yet another testament to the Cuban trogon’s flamboyant nature and its place among the most extraordinary birds in the world.
