Malabar Trogon
Harpactes fasciatus
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Malabar Trogon is a striking bird. Males have a black head and upper breast, with pink-red colouring from mid-breast to tail. Their back and wings are yellowish-brown with white barring. They have distinctive blue bills and a blue stripe of bare skin under their eyes. The tail is rufous-brown with a black band at the end.
Females are more subdued, with a brown head and breast areas, a subtle buff-coloured breast line, and tawny-yellow colouring from mid-breast to tail. Their wings show buff-coloured barring.
Size
Length
25cm to 31cm
Wingspan
40cm to 45cm
Weight
55g to 65g
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Malabar Trogons are endemic to the Western Ghats of India, inhabiting tropical and subtropical moist forests. They prefer dense, undisturbed rainforests with a closed canopy and are typically found in the mid to lower levels of the forest.
Their range extends from Maharashtra in the north to the southern tip of Kerala, with the highest densities found in the states of Karnataka and Kerala. They are non-migratory, maintaining their territories year-round.
Elevation Range
Up to 1,800 meters
Climate zones
Tropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Malabar Trogon. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Malabar Trogon demonstrates good agility through its ability to make quick, precise flights to catch insects and return to perches. Their specialisation in short, controlled movements rather than continuous flight or branch-hopping shows refined aerial manoeuvrability, though they're not amongst the most agile forest birds.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
With a relatively light build (55-65g) and weak feet, the Malabar Trogon possesses modest strength. Their ability to catch small prey and maintain upright perching positions indicates moderate muscular capability, but their preference for lighter prey and limited physical interactions suggests average strength for their size.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
While specialised for moist forest habitats up to 1,800m, these trogons show reasonable adaptability within their preferred environment. They can adjust their diet between insects, small lizards, and fruits, and maintain territories year-round in varying seasonal conditions, though they're notably dependent on specific forest conditions.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
The Malabar Trogon exhibits relatively low aggression levels, typically being solitary or found in peaceful pairs. Their hunting strategy relies on patience rather than aggressive pursuit, and while they defend territories during breeding season, they're not known for particularly aggressive behaviour.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Their ability to maintain motionless perches for extended periods whilst hunting and make repeated short hunting flights demonstrates decent endurance. However, their specialisation in brief, energy-efficient hunting techniques rather than sustained activity suggests moderate rather than exceptional stamina.
Diet
The Malabar Trogon's diet consists primarily of insects, particularly caterpillars, beetles, and moths. They also consume small lizards and various fruits, especially figs.
Their feeding strategy involves sitting motionless on a perch and making quick, short flights to catch prey or pluck fruit.
Behaviour
Malabar Trogons are typically solitary or found in pairs. They perch upright on branches, often remaining motionless for long periods while scanning for prey.
When foraging, they make short, quick flights to catch insects or pluck berries, returning to the same or a nearby perch.
Vocalisation
The Malabar Trogon's call is a soft, repetitive 'kyow-kyow' or 'coo-coo-coo', often given in series.
During the breeding season, males may produce a more rapid and excited version of this call. They also make a low, churring sound when alarmed or agitated.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding season for Malabar Trogons typically occurs between February and May. Pairs form monogamous bonds and engage in courtship displays that include tail-fanning and soft vocalisations.
Nests are built in tree cavities, often using abandoned woodpecker holes or natural hollows. The female lays 2-3 pale blue or white eggs in the unlined cavity.
Both parents share incubation duties, which last about 16-17 days. After hatching, the chicks remain in the nest for approximately 20 days before fledging, with both parents contributing to their care.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While currently listed as Least Concern, the Malabar Trogon faces threats from habitat loss due to deforestation and fragmentation of its rainforest home.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting and restoring the Western Ghats' forests to ensure the species' long-term survival.
Population Data
Global Population Estimate
Unknown
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Malabar Trogons in dense, moist forests of the Western Ghats
- Listen for their soft, repetitive 'kyow-kyow' calls to locate them
- Scan mid-level branches where they often perch motionless
- Be patient, as they can remain still for long periods
- Visit during early morning or late afternoon when they are most active
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Western Ghats Trogon
Family:
TrogonidaePredators
Main predators of Malabar Trogons include larger birds of prey, such as hawk-eagles and serpent eagles, as well as arboreal snakes and small mammals like martens.
Did You Know?
- Malabar Trogons have weak feet and rarely hop between branches, preferring to fly even for short distances.
- Their scientific name, 'fasciatus', refers to the distinctive banded pattern on their tails.
- They are the only trogon species found in the Indian subcontinent.
References
- 1 2
website: BirdLife International. 2016. Harpactes fasciatus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22682830A92962515.
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