About Priotelus temnurus (Temminck, 1825)
Priotelus temnurus measures 23 to 28 cm (9.1 to 11 inches) in length and weighs 47 to 75 g (1.7 to 2.6 ounces). Its plumage matches the colors of Cuba's flag, and plumage is identical for both sexes. The species' two subspecies only differ from each other very slightly. The beak is reddish pink with a dark culmen. Adult individuals have a blackish face, reddish eyes, a dark metallic blue crown and nape, and a metallic green back and rump. The cheeks, chin, and throat are white, fading to clear gray across the breast and upper belly. The lower belly and undertail coverts are red. The tail is graduated, with the innermost tail feathers forming a point. The three innermost pairs of tail feathers are glossy blue-black with subtle bronzy highlights. The three outer pairs have blue-black bases and are mostly white from the base to the tip. Flight feathers and wing coverts are generally dark metallic green to black, with a complex pattern of white spots. Juvenile plumage is similar to adult plumage, but is typically duller, with buffy gray underparts and reddish pink undertail coverts. In terms of distribution and habitat, the nominate subspecies of this Cuban trogon occurs across the main island of Cuba and on several large cays off the shore of Camagüey Province. P. t. vescus is found exclusively on Isla de la Juventud, also called the Isle of Pines. The species lives in both primary and secondary forest, as well as shrublands and smaller woodlands alongside watercourses. It prefers humid, shady locations within these habitats, can be found at all elevations, and is most common at higher elevations.
