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Cuban trogon
Cuban trogon
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Cuban trogon
A tocororo in Viñales Valley, Cuba
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Trogoniformes
Family: Trogonidae
Genus: Priotelus
Species:
P. temnurus
Binomial name
Priotelus temnurus
(Temminck, 1825)

The Cuban trogon or tocororo (Priotelus temnurus) is a species of bird in the family Trogonidae. It is endemic to Cuba, where it is also the national bird.

Taxonomy and systematics

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The Cuban trogon shares its genus with the Hispaniolan trogon (P. roseigaster). It has two subspecies, the nominate P. t. temnurus and P. t. vescus.[2]

In English to as the tocororo. This local name is onomatopoeic, and was derived from its repeated call, "toco-toco-tocoro-tocoro".[3] It is the national bird of Cuba.[4]

Description

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is 23 to 28 cm (9.1 to 11 in) long and weighs 47 to 75 g (1.7 to 2.6 oz). Its plumage colors match those of Cuba's flag, and are the same for both sexes. The two subspecies also differ only slightly. Their beak is reddish pink with a dark culmen. Adults have a blackish face with reddish eyes, a dark metallic blue crown and nape, and a metallic green back and rump. Their cheeks, chin, and throat are white becoming clear gray on the breast and upper belly. Their lower belly and undertail coverts are red. Their tail is graduated, with the innermost feathers forming a point. The three innermost pairs of tail feathers are glossy blue-black with some bronzy highlights. The three outer pairs have blue-black bases and are mostly white beyond. The flight feathers and wing coverts are generally dark metallic green to black with a complex pattern of white spots. Juveniles have similar plumage to adults but generally are duller, with buffy gray underparts and reddish pink undertail coverts.[3]

Distribution and habitat

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The nominate subspecies of the Cuban trogon is found throughout the main island of Cuba and on several large cays off the Camagüey Province shore. P. t. vescus is found only on Isla de la Juventud (Isle of Pines). The species inhabits both primary and secondary forest and also shrublands and smaller woodlands near watercourses. It favors humid shady areas within those landscapes and occurs at all elevations but is most common at higher ones.[3]

Behavior

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Movement

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The Cuban trogan is mostly sedentary but makes seasonal local movements in elevation or in response to the availability of food. Their flight style is rather choppy and noisy.[3][5]

Social behavior

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The Cuban trogon is usually found in pairs though sometimes in groups of three or four. They seem "indifferent to human presence in the immediate vicinity."[3]

Feeding

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The Cuban trogon usually forages at the middle level of the forest; it takes food by sallying from a perch or by hovering at foliage or fruit. Its diet is mostly insects, fruit, and buds but it also feeds small lizards to young.[3]

Breeding

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The Cuban trogon's breeding season is mostly April to July. It nests in natural cavities or abandoned woodpecker holes, usually in trees but sometimes in arboreal termitaria. The clutch size is three or four eggs. The incubation period is about 18 days and fledging occurs about 21 days after hatch [3]

Vocalization

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The Cuban trogon's song is "a pleasant toco-toco-tocoro-tocoro..., repeated for long periods at frequent intervals." It also gives "a steady, rapid series of staccato notes" and "a low and short mournful call that makes it difficult to locate."[3]

Status

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The IUCN has assessed the Cuban trogon as being of Least Concern. It has a large range but its population size is not known and believed to be decreasing. No immediate threats have been identified.[1] It is considered common and widespread throughout the main island of Cuba but is rare on the small offshore cays and uncommon of Isla de la Juventud. "Deforestation and habitat fragmentation pose two of the greatest anthropogenic threats to the Cuban trogon."[3]

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The Cuban trogon (Priotelus temnurus), locally known as the tocororo, is a medium-sized bird in the trogon family Trogonidae, endemic to and recognized as the nation's national bird for its echoing the colors of the Cuban flag. It measures 23–28 cm in total length, with iridescent blue-green upperparts, a white throat and chest, a grayish lower , and a brilliant red belly and undertail coverts, showing no in adults. This non-migratory inhabits a range of forested environments, from dry and moist lowland forests to montane woodlands and shrublands, at elevations up to 2,000 m, often perching motionless in pairs at mid-levels in the canopy. The Cuban trogon forages primarily on fruits and flowers, occasionally , using a sit-and-wait strategy from perches before making short sallying flights or hovering to capture food. Its breeding season spans April to July, with pairs nesting in natural tree cavities or abandoned holes, where the female lays 3–4 eggs that incubate for about 18 days. The bird's vocalizations include accelerating series of "cu-cu-cu" notes and resonant, quavering "cu-u-low" calls, which aid in territory defense and pair communication. Although classified as Least Concern by the IUCN due to its relatively widespread distribution across Cuba's 218,000 km² extent of occurrence, the population is decreasing owing to ongoing habitat loss from and degradation. Described as common in suitable habitats, it remains a culturally significant symbol of Cuban , highlighting the need for forest conservation efforts on the island and surrounding cays.

Taxonomy

Classification

The Cuban trogon (Priotelus temnurus) belongs to the order Trogoniformes and the family Trogonidae, a group encompassing approximately 43 species of tropical birds noted for their vibrant and mixed diets consisting primarily of fruits and supplemented by and other arthropods. The Trogonidae are distributed across the tropics of the , , and , with the Cuban trogon representing the sole member of this family endemic to . Within the family, the Cuban trogon is placed in the genus , which includes just two : the Cuban trogon and its close relative, the Hispaniolan trogon (Priotelus roseigaster). This genus is restricted to the , underscoring the phylogenetic ties between these endemics, which diverged from other lineages in the Neotropics. The binomial name Priotelus temnurus was established by the Dutch zoologist Coenraad Jacob Temminck in 1825, based on specimens from . The specific epithet "temnurus" originates from Greek roots temno (to cut) and oura (tail), referring to the bird's saw-tooth tail. Locally in Cuba, it is known as the tocororo, an onomatopoeic name derived from the sound of its vocalizations.

Subspecies

The Cuban trogon (Priotelus temnurus) is recognized as comprising two . The nominate subspecies, P. t. temnurus, is the larger form distributed across the main island of and certain northern cays, including those north of such as Palma, Caguanes, Guajaba, and Romano. The other subspecies, P. t. vescus, occurs on (formerly Isle of Pines) and associated southern cays. Morphological differences between the subspecies are subtle but consistent. P. t. vescus is slightly smaller overall than the nominate form, particularly in and tail length, with measurements indicating a reduction of approximately 10% in body size. Additionally, P. t. vescus exhibits paler underparts and slightly duller tones compared to the more vibrant coloration of P. t. temnurus. The subspecies P. t. vescus was first described in 1905 by Outram Bangs and Walter R. Zappey, based on specimen collections from the Isle of Pines gathered during field expeditions in the early . These distinctions have been upheld in subsequent taxonomic assessments, reflecting the geographic isolation of the populations.

Description

Physical characteristics

The Cuban trogon (Priotelus temnurus) is a medium-sized member of the trogon family, with adults measuring 23–28 cm (9–11 inches) in total length, a wing chord length of approximately 12–13 cm, and weighing 47–75 g. This size places it among the smaller to mid-range , which generally span 23–40 cm in length and 35–210 g in weight. The bird's body structure is compact and adapted for a perching lifestyle, featuring short, rounded wings that enable brief, direct flights between branches rather than sustained or agile aerial maneuvers. Its tail is notably long and broad, often comprising more than half of the total body length, providing balance during perching and contributing to its distinctive silhouette. The legs and feet are small, weak, and zygodactyl (with two toes facing forward and two backward), optimized for gripping branches but ill-suited for ground locomotion or extended walking. The beak is short, stout, and slightly hooked with serrated edges for grasping prey, exhibiting a reddish-pink coloration in adults accented by a darker culmen. The eyes have reddish irises, and the legs are pale pinkish with dark claws. Sexual dimorphism is minimal structurally, with no significant differences in body proportions or build between males and females, though males tend to be slightly larger and more robust overall; juveniles are notably smaller and less developed in form compared to adults.

Plumage and variation

The adult Cuban trogon exhibits striking characterized by a dark metallic blue and , contrasting with blackish loral, suborbital, and auricular regions. The back, scapulars, and rump display metallic green hues, transitioning to darker tones on the uppertail-coverts, while the upperwing-coverts and remiges are blackish with metallic green fringes. Underparts feature a white chin, throat, and central breast forming a broad white crescent, slate-gray sides of the breast and flanks, and a bright red belly, vent, and undertail-coverts. The tail feathers are blackish with metallic green gloss on the outer webs, notably r3–r5 possessing white tips on the outer webs, and r4 and r5 additionally showing white subterminal spots on the inner webs, which become visible in flight. A distinctive feature of the Cuban trogon is its undertail pattern, appearing black above with white tips and spots below, a configuration unique among trogons. Juvenile is duller overall compared to adults, with a brownish crown and lacking the vibrant metallic blue, buffy-gray underparts, and reduced red pigmentation on the belly and vent. Young birds molt into adult coloration during their first year, with no evident in between males and females. The shows no seasonal changes, maintaining consistent patterns year-round.

Distribution and habitat

Geographic range

The Cuban trogon (Priotelus temnurus) is endemic to the Republic of Cuba, with no documented vagrant records outside its native range. It is widespread across the main island of Cuba, the Isle of Youth (Isla de la Juventud), and select larger cays, including those in the Camagüey Archipelago such as Guajaba, Sabinal, Palma, and Caguanes; however, it is absent from smaller keys and islets. The species occupies elevations from up to 2,000 m, with notably higher densities observed in the Maestra mountains. Two subspecies are recognized based on geographic distribution: the nominate P. t. temnurus on the main island and northern large cays north of , and P. t. vescus on the Isle of Youth and some southern cays off the western coast of . Historically, the Cuban likely inhabited a broader extent of lowland forests across its range prior to extensive loss from and fragmentation, contributing to current population declines.

Habitat preferences

The Cuban trogon primarily inhabits humid broadleaf forests, particularly subtropical and tropical moist montane forests, where it is most abundant. It also occurs in moist lowland forests, dry forests, and moist shrublands, favoring shaded and humid environments over open dry areas. Within these s, the species shows a for primary and secondary woodlands, including shrubbery and copses along streams and rivers. In terms of microhabitat, the Cuban trogon occupies mid- to upper canopy layers in moist, shaded understories, often perching quietly amid dense vegetation. It tolerates selectively logged forests and forest edges, where it remains fairly common, but is less prevalent in heavily disturbed areas. The bird occurs across an elevation range of 0–2,000 m but is most common in montane s, especially higher elevations (500–1,000 m) in eastern Cuba's wetter, cooler regions such as the . It is less frequent in lowland areas, showing a clear preference for the humid conditions of upland forests.

Behavior

Locomotion and movement

The Cuban trogon (Priotelus temnurus) is largely sedentary throughout its range in Cuba, exhibiting no long-distance migration but undertaking local seasonal movements that are typically elevational or driven by resource availability, such as fruit abundance. These movements are limited in scope, allowing the bird to remain within familiar forest habitats year-round. Its flight consists of short, direct bursts, capable of strong propulsion but reluctant to cover extended distances, with frequent returns to perches in the mid-story of the . The trogon often travels in pairs during these flights, maintaining a low profile within the mid-story of the . Daily activity centers on prolonged periods of motionless perching, punctuated by brief sallies or hovers to access sources, with the more active in the early morning and late afternoon. This reflects its generally inactive and perch-bound lifestyle.

Social structure

The Cuban trogon (Priotelus temnurus) is primarily observed in pairs year-round, reflecting a organized around stable pair bonds, though loose groups of three or four individuals may form occasionally during the non-breeding season. These pairs are socially monogamous, maintaining long-term bonds and sharing responsibilities such as nesting duties during the breeding period. Territories are defended mildly through vocalizations rather than physical , with calls serving to signal boundaries and deter rivals. In terms of human interaction, the Cuban trogon displays notable tolerance, often appearing indifferent to observers in close proximity without exhibiting defensive or aggressive behaviors. The species does not form flocks or larger social units, and juveniles adopt a solitary following fledging, remaining independent until they establish pairs.

Foraging and diet

Food sources

The Cuban trogon has a frugivorous-insectivorous diet, feeding mainly on fruits, buds, insects, and flowers. Key insect prey includes beetles, ants, caterpillars, and butterflies, which are captured opportunistically during foraging. Fruits from genera such as Ficus, palms, and various berries form a substantial portion, supplemented by minor consumption of buds and spiders. Small , particularly (Anolis spp.), are included opportunistically in the diet, especially as a high-protein food source for nestlings, though vertebrates beyond lizards are not hunted. The species avoids seeds, focusing instead on accessible arthropods and ripe fruits. This opportunistic strategy supports the bird's role in and insect control within its ecosystem.

Feeding behavior

The Cuban trogon forages primarily from perches in the midstory of forested habitats, launching short sally flights or hover-sallies to capture prey in the air or glean items directly from foliage. These sallies are typically directed toward fruits, flowers, or foliage where and other prey are located. Fruits are generally swallowed whole by adults, while larger may be beaten against branches to subdue them before consumption, consistent with trogon foraging patterns. Feeding activity peaks in the morning hours, with observations indicating most provisioning and efforts occurring between 06:30 and midday, though some activity extends into late afternoon. Pairs maintain shared territories but often independently within them to efficiently cover their range. During the nesting period, adults provision nestlings with a high frequency of visits, delivering 1.25–1.79 items per hour in the early stages, increasing to a peak of around 12.79 items per hour by day 12 of the nestling period. Provisioning prioritizes protein-rich items such as (comprising 56.31% of the nestling diet overall, and up to 79.10% in the first 10 days) and small of the genus (3.88% overall, but 10.45% early on), shifting toward more fruits (35.92% overall) as nestlings mature. items are often masticated before delivery to young.

Reproduction

Breeding season and courtship

The breeding season of the Cuban trogon (Priotelus temnurus) spans from April to July, overlapping with the beginning of Cuba's (May to October), during which resources become more abundant in forested habitats, supporting the energetic demands of . This period allows for a single brood per year, with pairs typically producing one during this time. Courtship behaviors for the Cuban are poorly known, but like other trogons, likely involve visual displays and calls to attract mates and establish pairs. The is monogamous and forms long-term pairs that remain loosely associated outside the breeding period, with bonds reaffirmed through vocal calls at the onset of the season; divorce appears rare, and there is no documented evidence of . Females lay a of 3–4 white eggs, sometimes with a slight bluish tinge, typically in selected tree cavities that serve as nest sites.

Nesting and

The Cuban utilizes natural cavities in trees for nesting, primarily those excavated by woodpeckers or formed in decayed stumps and trunks, and has also been recorded using arboreal nests. These nest sites are unlined, with no materials added by the birds. Incubation is shared by both parents and lasts 17–19 days, with the female typically covering the eggs at night. The hatchlings are altricial and brooded by both parents. They are fed masticated food, consisting mainly of , fruits, and berries, delivered by the adults. Fledging occurs after approximately 21 days, after which the young remain dependent on for several weeks. Detailed on feeding frequency and nesting success remain limited, though predation is a known .

Vocalizations

Primary calls

The primary vocalizations of the Cuban trogon (Priotelus temnurus) consist of territorial and advertising songs, predominantly delivered by males to defend territories and attract mates. The species' signature song is a rhythmic series of 4–6 low-frequency monosyllabic hooting notes, often transcribed onomatopoeically as "toco-toco-tocoro-tocoro," with the local name "tocororo" derived directly from this sound. This song typically lasts 2–3 seconds per bout and is repeated at intervals of 10–20 seconds, forming extended bouts that continue for long periods. It features acoustic properties such as a generally descending pitch and occasional speeding up or variation in loudness toward the end, and is uttered from exposed perches in the forest canopy. These songs are most frequent at dawn and dusk during the breeding season, enhancing their role in pair bonding and social signaling within territories.

Other vocalizations

The Cuban trogon utilizes a range of non-song vocalizations for , contact, and social interactions, though these are less frequent and prominent than its primary , with the often remaining silent during activities. The call consists of a sharp, series described as "toc-toc-toc" or a similar rapid "cor-cor-cor," typically delivered in response to predators or disturbances. Contact notes exchanged between paired adults or from parents to offspring are soft and mournful "coo-oo" , facilitating close-range communication without drawing attention. Nestlings emit high-pitched peeps to beg for food from attending adults, while adults may produce bill-snapping as a display during nest defense or interactions.

Conservation

Population status

The Cuban trogon (Priotelus temnurus) is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN (last assessed 2018), with a population size that has not been quantified but is described as common in suitable habitats. This assessment reflects its relatively large range across , where it remains a common species in suitable forested habitats despite ongoing pressures. Population trends indicate a decrease, primarily attributed to habitat loss from and land conversion. The occurs in protected areas, such as national parks and reserves, where forest cover is better preserved.

Threats and protection

The Cuban trogon faces primary threats from and , which reduce the availability of its preferred forest habitats. such as hurricanes also pose risks by damaging forest canopies. Secondary threats may include agricultural practices and , which could affect food availability. The is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, though its population trend is decreasing due to ongoing loss. It receives under Cuban wildlife legislation, which safeguards endemic birds through the national system of protected areas, encompassing about 22% of the country's land. The trogon occurs in 22 Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs), including the Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve and Ciénaga de Zapata, where forest restoration initiatives indirectly benefit its habitat by countering . Although no species-specific recovery programs exist, broader conservation efforts, such as community education on the ecological and cultural value of endemics, support preservation. Continued deforestation could exacerbate population declines, potentially leading to a future reassessment toward a threatened status if habitat loss persists.

Cultural significance

National symbol

The Cuban trogon, known locally as the tocororo (Priotelus temnurus), was officially designated as Cuba's national bird through Resolution No. 81 issued by the Ministry of Agriculture in 1982. This decree established its status as an emblematic of the nation's , emphasizing its to and the island's forests where it exclusively inhabits. The resolution also imposed a nationwide ban on its and capture to ensure conservation, recognizing the bird's vulnerability as a forest-dweller restricted to regions such as the , , and . The selection of the Cuban trogon as the national bird stems from its unique vibrant plumage, which mirrors the colors of the Cuban flag: a blue crown evoking the sky, a white breast symbolizing purity, and a red belly representing the blood shed for independence. As the only trogon species endemic to Cuba, it embodies the island's distinct and natural heritage, distinguishing it from earlier informal or regional symbols without official decree. Its legal protection extends beyond the 1982 resolution, aligning with broader environmental safeguards under Cuba's 2019 Constitution, which mandates the preservation of the environment and natural resources (Article 75). Since the mid-20th century, the trogon has appeared on Cuban postage stamps—such as issues from 1961 and 1971—and commemorative coins, including the 5 pesos silver piece of 1981 and the 150 pesos of 1996, as well as various official emblems promoting and conservation.

Symbolism and folklore

The Cuban trogon, known locally as the tocororo, holds profound symbolic significance in Cuban culture as an emblem of and . Its vibrant —featuring red, white, and blue hues that mirror the colors of the Cuban flag—has long represented national pride and resilience. A persistent portrays the bird as unable to survive in captivity, reportedly dying from stress or sadness when caged, which serves as a for the Cuban people's unyielding resistance to and their deep attachment to . This narrative has been invoked in discussions of Cuban history, symbolizing the island's struggle against colonial rule and foreign domination. In modern Cuban culture, the trogon appears frequently in , where artists capture its striking colors and elusive nature to evoke themes of natural beauty and . Paintings and illustrations often depict the perched in lush forests, reinforcing its status as a tied to the island's . Additionally, the trogon plays a prominent role in eco-tourism initiatives, with tours across Cuba's forests and reserves highlighting sightings of this endemic species to promote environmental awareness and sustainable travel. These efforts underscore the 's value in showcasing Cuba's unique heritage. Internationally, the Cuban trogon has been mistakenly linked to , where some informal sources claim it as a due to a perceived similarity between its and that country's colors; however, the bird is biologically endemic to and has no natural presence in . This erroneous association highlights the trogon's evocative power as a visual transcending borders, though it remains firmly rooted in Cuban identity.

References

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