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. 🙂
Thank you very much, Jane. This is certainly a golden tick on our list of birds seen!
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!
Baie dankie, Corna. So mooi soos wat hulle is sou mens nie verwag het hulle is so kamerasku nie!
What a treat for you, Dries. Have you seen them before?
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!
That made me smile, Dries. Best honeymoon ever, eh?
Certainly the best honeymoon I’ve ever had! 😀
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!
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!
Ah yes – delightful, rare and special sightings both.
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!
A beautiful bird and clearly a thrilling film capture. ☺️
Oh absolutely, Lori!
Omtrent n mooi kleur volle voel
En tog kruip hulle so goed weg!
They are very beautiful birds to see.
Always a rewarding encounter.
What beautiful coloring they have!
Most striking in good light, Siobhan
Another bird I haven’t seen. Thank you, D. 🙂
Glad we could introduce you then, H.J!
And, I appreciate it very much. 🙂
Very pretty bird, but very strange call.
I agree entirely, Lois!
I am so glad you were able to get these photos of this stunningly beautiful bird So dramatic looking. Thanks for sharing.
Always a special treat seeing one of these, Anne!