Narina
Trogon
Apaloderma narina
Bosloerie (Afrikaans)
umJenenengu (Zulu)
Narina
Trogon
Surely a first prize sighting for any birder. Elusive,
shy, beautiful and very difficult to spot. I have been very
lucky twice - both times in Ndumo Game Reserve in Northern
Natal.
Habitat
Found in the warmer, moister areas of KwaZulu-Natal in evergreen
and riverine forest and dense woodland.
Description
This is a dove sized bird with the male`s head, back and breast
bright metallic green, washed gold on mantle.
The underparts are bright red. The female is somewhat similar but
has the face and throat washed pinkish red. The eyes are reddish
brown, the bill is yellow and the legs and feet are greyish
pink.
Breeding
Narina Trogons are monogamous and nest between October and January
in KwaZulu-Natal. The nest is a natural hole in a tree or stump
which is unlined. Between 2 and 6 eggs are laid and they are glossy
white in colour.
Food
They forage by flying from their perch high in the canopy and
catching prey from leaves and branches and in the air. They feed
mainly on insects as well as fruit and chameleons.
Status
They are a uncommon to fairly common resident.
The
Cache
Molweni River, Krantzkloof
Nature Reserve
Park at either of the suggested co-ordinates. A small entry fee
is levied at Parking 2, unless you are a Wild / Rhino Card
holder.
Please replace the cache exactly as found to avoid accidental
discovery.