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SPECIES PROFILE
Cuban Trogon (Priotelus temnurus)
Priotelus
IUCN STATUS
Least Concern
CONSERVATION STATUS
Least Concern
CLASS
Aves
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Endemic to Cuba and the Isla de la Juventud; not found anywhere else on Earth.
DIET
Omnivore
HABITAT
Tropical and subtropical moist forests, gallery forest, palm groves, and mogote (limestone hill) woodland throughout Cuba.
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Aves
ORDER
Trogoniformes
FAMILY
Trogonidae
GENUS
Priotelus
📋 Description
SIZE
Small-medium bird 25–28 cm; compact trogon with short rounded wings.
COLORATION
Iridescent blue-green head and back; white breast; vivid red belly matching the Cuban flag colours — this bird is the national symbol.
ADAPTATIONS
Syndactyl feet with two toes pointing forward and two back; wide gape for catching insects in flight; excavates nest holes in palms.
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Tropical and subtropical moist forests, gallery forest, palm groves, and mogote (limestone hill) woodland throughout Cuba.
DIET
Omnivore
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Endemic to Cuba and the Isla de la Juventud; not found anywhere else on Earth.
REPRODUCTION
Pairs excavate nest cavities in rotting palms or termite mounds; 3–4 white eggs; both parents incubate ~18 days.
DIET DETAILS
Insects, small lizards, berries, and small fruits; hunts by sallying out from a perch to snatch prey mid-air or from foliage.
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Deforestation and habitat fragmentation; otherwise secure as Cuba retains significant forested areas.
💡 Interesting Facts
1
The Cuban Trogon's colours — red, white, and blue — match the Cuban national flag, making it a deeply patriotic symbol.
2
It is the only trogon species endemic to Cuba and belongs to a genus found nowhere else in the world.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Parque Nacional Alejandro de Humboldt in eastern Cuba — UNESCO site with the best forest habitats for Cuban Trogon.
Ciénaga de Zapata Biosphere Reserve (Playa Larga area), Cuba — gallery forest walks reliably produce Cuban Trogon sightings.
Soroa Orchid Garden and surrounding forest in Pinar del Río, Cuba — 1-hour drive from Havana with reliable Trogon sightings.
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
Walk quietly through gallery forest or mogote woodland at dawn and listen for a soft purring call; respond well to gentle playback.
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Year-round; most active and vocal February–June breeding season when pairs defend territory.
