Choco Black-throated Trogon

The Choco Black-throated Trogon, scientifically classified as Trogon cupreicauda, is a member of the Trogonidae family found in the humid forests of the Chocó region, spanning from eastern Panama through western Colombia and into northwestern Ecuador. For many years, this species was classified as a subspecies of the widespread Black-throated Trogon, but morphological and vocal differences, combined with its distinct distribution, led to its elevation to a full species. It is characterized by its iridescent plumage and distinctively rounded wing and tail shapes, which reflect its adaptation to the dense, low-light understory of its habitat.

The taxonomy of this bird has been the subject of careful observation by ornithologists who noted that its vocalizations and subtle differences in plumage distinguish it from its Andean and Amazonian relatives. Its design is a product of evolutionary pressure, favoring maneuverability within the cluttered canopy of the Chocó biogeographic region. While it is not a human-designed object, the species is widely regarded by birders and conservationists for its striking, jewel-toned appearance, which is representative of the high levels of endemism found in the Chocó hotspot.