Trogons are spectacular birds that occur throughout the world’s equatorial rainforests.  About 46 species occur globally, seven of which are found inhabiting Malaysia’s forests. Of the seven, three species prefer montane or submontane habitats. And one of these is the stunning Red-headed Trogon.

Red-headed Trogon (Harpactes erythrocephalus)

Like other Malaysian Trogons, this species is a star bird that commands attention whenever it’s encountered. And its very easy to see why, since it’s such an attractive-looking species. The trogon is very aptly named, as the male is resplendent with his namesake pink-red head. The scientific name even alludes to this – ‘erythrocephalus’ directly translates as red-headed.

Description of the Red-headed Trogon

Male:

• Pinkish-red head & breast
• Bright, scarlet-red belly. 
• There’s a white line dividing the breast and the belly. 
• Blue-ish skin surrounding the eyes.
• The back and upper-tail is brown, while the undertail is black and white. 
• The wings are black and white, contrasting nicely with the rest of the bird. 
• There are white squiggly lines on top of the wings (vermiculations).

Female:

• The female is less showy, since she lacks the male’s pinkish-red head. The plumages are otherwise similar.
• The vermiculations on top of the wings are brown rather than white.

Vocalisation 

• The song is a melancholic ‘taup-taup-taup-taup-taup-taup….’. 
• The Red-naped Trogon sounds similar, but thankfully, these two species don’t occur together.

Range and distribution of the Red-headed Trogon

This trogon ranges from the Himalayas, east to Southern China, down to Indochina, Peninsula Malaysia and Sumatra. It is absent from Malaysian Borneo. 

Its preferred habitat is submontane and montane rainforests, above 700m in elevation.

Conservation status

BirdLife International and the IUCN rates this species as Least Concern. 

Where to see the Red-headed Trogon in Malaysia?

Fraser’s Hill 

This charming colonial-era hill station boasts an impressive array of bird species, many of which are only found within montane forests. This is one of Malaysia’s best birding destinations, and also the best location in the country to see this trogon. 

The Red-headed Trogon is quite common at Fraser’s Hill, and may be encountered anywhere (except the town centre). Nevertheless, there are several areas where they’re more common:

1. Jalan Lady Maxwell / Jalan Valley – the junction between the two roads is a popular spot for the trogon.
2. Telekom loop – especially along Jalan Girdle (northern side of the loop).
3. Bishop Trail 

Other hill stations:

The trogon occurs at the following places, but for the reasons detailed below, these locations are less than ideal:

1. Cameron Highlands – Look for the trogon along forest trails and less developed areas of the highlands. Unfortunately, overdevelopment for agriculture is a major issue here.
2. Genting Highlands – This hill station was previously a good birdwatching location. However, overdevelopment means Genting Highlands is no longer a recommended birding spot. 
3. Bukit Larut (Maxwell Hill) – The transport service to the top is no longer available. Therefore, to see montane birds here, you’ll need to hike up! 

Tips to observe and/or photograph it

Unlike many trogons in Malaysia, this species isn’t too shy. Thus, this bird is quite easy to observe and photograph.

• Mornings are best, as they’re most active during this period.
• They’re rather approachable. Even if they fly off, it’s usually only a short distance away.
• The montane rainforest is often dimly lit, therefore, using a tripod is recommended to photograph the bird.
• The birds often perch motionless for long periods, while scanning for nearby insects. If your timing is good, you might photograph them with a prey item in the bill.
• Call playback is unnecessary as the bird is relatively tame, especially at Fraser’s Hill.

Confusion species

• The red head of the male is unique amongst Malaysian Trogons. Therefore, the male Red-headed Trogon is unlikely to be confused with anything else.
• The female is rather similar to the female Diard’s Trogon. However, the Red-headed female has:
  • Blue eye-ring (vs purple in Diard’s – this feature may be difficult to appreciate in the field)
  • Plain white and black undertail pattern. On the Diard’s Trogon, the white is speckled with black.
• Typically, the Red-headed is found at higher elevations than the Diard’s Trogon.
• This confusion is only possible within Peninsula Malaysia, since the Red-headed Trogon is absent from Borneo.

Conclusion

The Red-headed Trogon is a gorgeous species that’s a favourite amongst birdwatchers and photographers alike. They can be found within the montane forests of Peninsula Malaysia, where Fraser’s Hill is undoubtedly the best location to see it. Additionally, its rather tame demeanor also means it’s quite easy to observe and photograph. The Red-headed Trogon certainly deserves its reputation as one of the star birds of Malaysia!

 

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REFERENCES

Puan, C.L., Davison, G. & Lim, K.C. (2020). Birds of Malaysia. Covering Peninsular Malaysia, Malaysian Borneo and Singapore. Lynx and BirdLife International Field Guides. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona.

Robson, C. (2005). New Holland Field Guide to the Birds of South-East Asia (Concise Edition). New Holland Publishers, London, England.