Elegant Trogon
Since the 1890s, the possibility of seeing a trogon has lured birdwatchers to southern Arizona. With its brilliant metallic colors and odd croaking call, the Elegant Trogon brings an exotic touch to the wooded canyons and streamside sycamores where it lives. The observer who finds one may get to watch it at leisure: rather sluggish, the trogon may sit upright on one perch for several minutes.
Elegant Trogon – photo: Jim Burns
Recommended Birding Sites
Here are the best sites to view Elegant Trogon.
Tucked into a pocket of the upper Tucson Mountains, El Rio Preserve functions as a collecting basin for both run-off from the mountain slopes and overflow from the Santa Cruz River creating a rich riparian habitat.
Provides access to the Santa Cruz River and the Anza Trail for birding and hiking.
This 110-acre park is located along the Colorado River within the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area. Burrowing owl habitat is maintained and there is a viewing platform to allow for public observation.
The last place in Arizona where native California palm trees grow in their natural habitat. Birds are numerous most of the year in Palm Canyon.
This area is a magnet for resident and migrating birds. From the Mittry Lake Overlook, there is a view over a watery marsh that is good for hearing Common Moorhen, American Coot, Least Bittern, Virginia Rail, and Sora.
The lake is good for a variety of ducks, mergansers, gulls, and terns. Osprey are year-round residents and joined in winter by harriers and falcons.