About Priotelus temnurus (Temminck, 1825)
Size and Weight
Priotelus temnurus measures 23 to 28 cm (9.1 to 11 inches) in length and weighs 47 to 75 g (1.7 to 2.6 ounces).
Plumage Sexual Dimorphism
Its plumage matches the colors of Cuba's flag, and plumage is identical for both sexes.
Subspecies Morphological Difference
The species' two subspecies only differ from each other very slightly.
Beak Appearance
The beak is reddish pink with a dark culmen.
Head and Upper Body Coloration
Adult individuals have a blackish face, reddish eyes, a dark metallic blue crown and nape, and a metallic green back and rump.
Chest and Upper Belly Coloration
The cheeks, chin, and throat are white, fading to clear gray across the breast and upper belly.
Lower Underparts Coloration
The lower belly and undertail coverts are red.
Tail Shape
The tail is graduated, with the innermost tail feathers forming a point.
Innermost Tail Feather Coloration
The three innermost pairs of tail feathers are glossy blue-black with subtle bronzy highlights.
Outer Tail Feather Coloration
The three outer pairs have blue-black bases and are mostly white from the base to the tip.
Wing Appearance
Flight feathers and wing coverts are generally dark metallic green to black, with a complex pattern of white spots.
Juvenile Plumage
Juvenile plumage is similar to adult plumage, but is typically duller, with buffy gray underparts and reddish pink undertail coverts.
Nominate Subspecies Distribution
In terms of distribution and habitat, the nominate subspecies of this Cuban trogon occurs across the main island of Cuba and on several large cays off the shore of Camagüey Province.
P. t. vescus Distribution
P. t. vescus is found exclusively on Isla de la Juventud, also called the Isle of Pines.
Habitat Types
The species lives in both primary and secondary forest, as well as shrublands and smaller woodlands alongside watercourses.
Habitat Preferences
It prefers humid, shady locations within these habitats, can be found at all elevations, and is most common at higher elevations.
