Gartered Violaceous Trogon vs Graceful Black-throated Trogon

In short

The Gartered Violaceous Trogon and the Graceful Black-throated Trogon are both small, yellow-bellied trogons, but they can be distinguished by the color of the male's head and breast, and the density of barring on the undertail. The Gartered Violaceous Trogon has a black head and breast with a blue nape, while the Graceful Black-throated Trogon has a green hood in males.

Identification tips

1. Head and Breast Color: Look for the black head and breast with a blue nape in the Gartered Violaceous Trogon. The Graceful Black-throated Trogon has a green hood in males. 2. Undertail Barring: Check the density of barring on the undertail, which differs between the two species. 3. Habitat: Note the habitat; Gartered Violaceous Trogon is more of a generalist, while Graceful Black-throated Trogon prefers tall humid lowland forests. 4. Vocalization: Listen for the slower, longer notes of the Graceful Black-throated Trogon's song.

Size

Both species are similar in size, typical of small trogons.

Plumage

The Gartered Violaceous Trogon has a black head and breast with a blue nape and more golden upperparts. Its wing panel is densely barred gray and white, and it has a greener uppertail. The Graceful Black-throated Trogon has a green hood in males and brown in females, with differences mainly in the color of the male's upper tail and the density of barring on the undertail.

Habitat

The Gartered Violaceous Trogon is a habitat generalist found from sea level to 1,800 m in various forest types, edges, and clearings. The Graceful Black-throated Trogon is found in the understory and midstory of tall humid lowland forests.

Voice

The Graceful Black-throated Trogon's song is generally slower, with fewer notes held longer than other Black-throated Trogons. Specific vocalization details for the Gartered Violaceous Trogon are not provided.