Arguably the most beautiful of St Lucia’s birds, the Narina trogon is also one of the most secretive. One would think with their bright colouration they would be easy to spot....think again! Narina trogon occupy the gloomy understory of dune forests around St Lucia and have a habit of presenting their green -more camouflaged- back to potential threats (such as birders).
Added to this, they do not move alot…. ‘Perch-and-sally’ predators, Narina trogon sit motionless and attentive on a perch for long periods , scanning for potential prey. These sedentary habits, combined with the gloomy, dense dune forest habitat is what makes Narina trogon a challenge to spot!
There are periods in St Lucia, however- such as early Spring (September/October)- when male Narina trogon are highly vocal hence making them easier to find. In Spring groups of males form ‘floating leks’- groups of up to 7 males travel together through the forest calling incessantly and chasing each other in aerial displays. This commotion is effective in attracting the attention of females who are drawn in to select a mate. During the summer breeding period males obviously show high fidelity to the nesting site, also making them easier to find.
There are periods in St Lucia, however- such as early Spring (September/October)- when male Narina trogon are highly vocal hence making them easier to find. In Spring groups of males form ‘floating leks’- groups of up to 7 males travel together through the forest calling incessantly and chasing each other in aerial displays. This commotion is effective in attracting the attention of females who are drawn in to select a mate. During the summer breeding period males obviously show high fidelity to the nesting site, also making them easier to find.
Watch: Narina trogon males calling in a 'floating lek
This is not to say that they are impossible the rest of the year. They are resident in the forests around St Lucia year-round. Their invertebrate diet of insects, frogs, chameleons etc. means they often join bird parties- capitalising on the disturbed prey caused by the movement of other birds.