NARINA TROGON

 
Apaloderma narina
umJenenengu (Zulu) Bosloerie (Afrikaans)

HABITAT
Found in the warmer, moister areas of KwaZulu-Natal in evergreen and riverine forest and dense woodland.

TYPE
This is a dove sized bird with the male`s head, back and breast bright metallic green, washed gold on mantle.

The underparts are bright red. The female is somewhat similar but has the face and throat washed pinkish red. The eyes are reddish brown, the bill is yellow and the legs and feet are greyish pink.

BREEDING
Narina Trogons are monogamous and nest between October and January in KwaZulu-Natal. The nest is a natural hole in a tree or stump which is unlined. Between 2 and 6 eggs are laid and they are glossy white in colour.

FOOD
They forage by flying from their perch high in the canopy and catching prey from leaves and branches and in the air. They feed mainly on insects as well as fruit and chameleons.

STATUS
They are a uncommon to fairly common resident.