Bornean Lowland Trogons

Ecology

Lowland rainforest trogons

They are all sit-and-wait predators that feed exclusively on wild arthropods like cicadas and stick insects. They rely entirely on short flights to reposition or snatch prey from the leaves. Trogons are long-lived birds with high territorial site fidelity, with some individuals living over a decade.

The bright males are easy to tell apart, while female trogons are harder to tell apart in the dim understorey. A trogon will often hunt the exact same circuit of branches day after day.

Trogon sites across Borneo

Danum Valley Conservation Area is the premier lowland trogon location in Asia. The reserve protects intact lowland dipterocarp forest that supports healthy populations of Scarlet-rumped, Red-naped, Diard's and Cinnamon-rumped Trogons.

Guided trogon tracking

The primary breeding season runs from late February through August. Territorial calling is at its peak and adults actively forage to feed chicks. Guides use perch-return stakeouts, waiting quietly near favoured hunting branches.

Where to look

Danum Valley Conservation Area

Explore primary forest for 4 trogon species.

Borneo Rainforest Lodge

Walk the 300-metre canopy walkway before dawn.

Rainforest Discovery Centre

Explore a 620-metre canopy walkway and Trogon Tower.