Green-backed Trogon vs Gartered Violaceous Trogon

The Green-backed Trogon and Gartered Violaceous Trogon are similar in appearance but can be distinguished by their undertail patterns and vocalizations. The Green-backed Trogon has a white-edged tail with a dark center, while the Gartered Violaceous Trogon has black undertail feathers with white bars and broad tips. Their calls also differ, with the Green-backed Trogon having evenly spaced notes and the Gartered Violaceous Trogon being more variable.

1. Tail Pattern: Look for white edges with a dark center in Green-backed Trogon; black with white bars in Gartered Violaceous Trogon. 2. Head and Neck: Green-backed Trogon males have iridescent purplish-blue, while Gartered Violaceous Trogon males have a bright green back. 3. Vocalization: Listen for evenly spaced notes in Green-backed Trogon versus variable calls in Gartered Violaceous Trogon. 4. Habitat: Consider elevation and habitat type; Gartered Violaceous Trogon is found in a broader range of environments.

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

Male Green-backed Trogons have a black head and throat with iridescent purplish-blue, while Gartered Violaceous Trogons have a black head and neck with a bright green back. The Green-backed Trogon has a white-edged tail, whereas the Gartered Violaceous Trogon has black undertail feathers with white bars and broad tips.

Both species are cavity nesters, often using termitaria, but the Gartered Violaceous Trogon also uses wasp nests and other substrates.

The Green-backed Trogon is found up to 1,000 meters in second growth and forest edges, while the Gartered Violaceous Trogon ranges from sea level to 1,800 meters, inhabiting a wider variety of habitats including plantations and mangroves.

The Green-backed Trogon's call consists of 15-20 rapid, evenly spaced notes, while the Gartered Violaceous Trogon's call is more variable and can accelerate.