Ward’s Trogon Harpactes wardi is rare throughout its patchy and declining range, and extremely rare in China, being confined to western Yunnan around Gaoligong Mountains. HABITAT & BEHAVIOR In summer to 3200 m (10,500 ft.), in winter down to 1200 m (3,940 ft.). Nests in cavities in trees. ID Male maroon from head, chin, and upper breast down mantle to rump; tail blackish. Has crimson forehead and sky-blue eye-ring. Wings black with white shafts and edges. Lower breast and belly light red; undertail black and pink. In female, red and pink parts of male replaced by lemon yellow (both yellow and white in tail), and maroon parts of male replaced by olive brown. BARE PARTS Bill pink with black base; feet brown. VOICE Call a high-pitched, rapid series of notes (typical trogon voice). Chattering and trilling alarm call. — Craig Brelsford
THE TROGONS OF CHINA
shanghaibirding.com covers all 3 species of trogon in China. Click any link below:
Orange-breasted Trogon Harpactes oreskios
Red-headed Trogon H. erythrocephalus
Ward’s Trogon H. wardi
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Daniel Bengtsson served as chief ornithological consultant for Craig Brelsford’s Photographic Field Guide to the Birds of China, from which this species description is drawn.
