Apaloderma narina
An infuriatingly difficult bird to see, thanks to their habit of sitting dead still for long periods in their dense forest habitat, the beautiful Narina Trogon is a prized target for bird watchers and wildlife photographers alike. Their call is often the first, and usually only, indication of their presence but is seldom heard outside of the breeding season. It feeds on a wide variety of insects, other invertebrates and even reptiles and amphibians the size of small chameleons. They’re usually found singly or in pairs.
Narina Trogons form monogamous pairs and breed in hollows in trees. During the summer breeding season the male is fiercely territorial and will even drive away birds of other species. Clutches of 2-4 eggs are incubated by both parents for between 2 and 3 weeks. The chicks leave the nest by 4 weeks of age but remain with their parents for several months more. Fully grown, Narina Trogons measure about 32cm long and weigh in the region of 67g.
The IUCN lists the Narina Trogon as being of least concern. While it has a very wide distribution over much of the rest of sub-Saharan Africa, in South Africa they’re mainly found only in a narrow stretch along the coast from the Garden Route through the Eastern Cape, into Kwazulu-Natal, and then along the forests of the escarpment into Mpumalanga and Limpopo as far as the Soutpansberg.
DeWetsWild 
What a stunning bird, Dries, and great that you have these photos since it is so elusive. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much, Jane. This is certainly a golden tick on our list of birds seen!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah, die pragtige bosloerie! Wat ‘n voorreg om hulle in die natuur te sien – ons het baie jare gelede in die bos by Knysna gestap en ‘n bosloerie gehoor (maar nooit gesien nie). Sjoe, jy het soveel pragtige foto’s van hierdie voeltjie – welgedaan!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Baie dankie, Corna. So mooi soos wat hulle is sou mens nie verwag het hulle is so kamerasku nie!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a treat for you, Dries. Have you seen them before?
LikeLiked by 1 person
A real treat indeed, Tracy! We’ve had only a handful of sightings of these beautiful birds over the years – our first in December 2006 while Marilize and I were on honeymoon!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That made me smile, Dries. Best honeymoon ever, eh?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Certainly the best honeymoon I’ve ever had! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Infuriatingly difficult to see – so true, especially when they have their back turned towards one – and in the woodland/forest the lack of light and the concealing vegetation add to the difficulty . But nevertheless you have these photos to share of such a special bird!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The fact that they’re such a difficult-to-see bird, in addition to their beautiful plumage, makes every encounter a highlight! For me on the same level as seeing a leopard!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah yes – delightful, rare and special sightings both.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My man het ‘n Narina Trogon op die gholfbaan in ‘n boom naby ons huis in Eshowe gesien. Ongelukkig nie ‘n foto geneem nie. Ek was by die werk!
LikeLike
A beautiful bird and clearly a thrilling film capture. ☺️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh absolutely, Lori!
LikeLike
Omtrent n mooi kleur volle voel
LikeLike
En tog kruip hulle so goed weg!
LikeLiked by 1 person
They are very beautiful birds to see.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Always a rewarding encounter.
LikeLike
What beautiful coloring they have!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Most striking in good light, Siobhan
LikeLiked by 1 person
Another bird I haven’t seen. Thank you, D. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad we could introduce you then, H.J!
LikeLiked by 1 person
And, I appreciate it very much. 🙂
LikeLike
Very pretty bird, but very strange call.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree entirely, Lois!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am so glad you were able to get these photos of this stunningly beautiful bird So dramatic looking. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Always a special treat seeing one of these, Anne!
LikeLiked by 1 person