Black-tailed Trogon vs Green-backed Trogon

In short

The Black-tailed Trogon (Trogon melanurus) and Green-backed Trogon (Trogon viridis) can be distinguished by their tail and back coloration. The Black-tailed Trogon has a black tail, while the Green-backed Trogon features a bronze green upper tail with white edges and a dark center. Both species share similar habitats and nesting behaviors.

Identification tips

1. Look for the tail color: black in Black-tailed Trogon vs. bronze green with white edges in Green-backed Trogon. 2. Observe the back: uniform in Black-tailed vs. iridescent green in Green-backed. 3. Listen for vocalizations: ratting series in Black-tailed vs. rapid notes in Green-backed. 4. Note the habitat: both species can be found in similar forest environments.

Size

Both species are similar in size, typical of trogons, with no significant size difference noted.

Plumage

The Black-tailed Trogon has a black tail and a more uniform body coloration, while the Green-backed Trogon has an iridescent green back shifting to purplish-blue on the rump, and a bronze green upper tail with white edges. Males of the Green-backed Trogon have a black head with iridescent purplish-blue, while females are duller with gray replacing the green and blue tones.

Behaviour

Both species are known to nest in arboreal termitaria and exhibit similar feeding behaviors, although the specific diet of the Black-tailed Trogon is not well documented.

Habitat

Both species inhabit similar environments, including second growth, forest edges, and humid and dry forests up to 1,000 meters.

Voice

The Black-tailed Trogon produces a ratting 'ca-ca-ca-ca-ca-ca' series and a slower series of evenly spaced, downslurred whistles. The Green-backed Trogon emits a series of 15-20 rapid, evenly spaced notes, differing from the White-tailed Trogon whose call accelerates.