• Summary
• Text account
• Data table and detailed info
• Distribution map
• Reference and further resources

Justification of Red List category
This species is restricted to a moderately small range, in which habitat is declining owing to deforestation. The population size is likely small, but a more up-to-date population estimate is needed. The species is thought to form only one subpopulation and is suspected to decline due to habitat loss. It is therefore classified as Near Threatened.

Population justification
In 2007, there were an estimated 450-1,800 mature individuals in the Important Bird Areas (IBAs) of Costa Rica (J. Criado et al. in litt. 2007, Unión de Ornitólogos de Costa Rica in litt. 2011). These IBAs cover about 45% of the total range (per BirdLife International 2021). Based on continuous observational records (per eBird 2021), it is assumed that the species occurs at a similar density throughout the entire range. Therefore, the global population may have been between 1,000 and 4,000 mature individuals in 2007. Current data suggests that the population is undergoing a decline of up to 19% over three generations, so that the population is now likely considerably smaller than in 2007. However, the high number of observational records (eBird 2021) suggests that the population may in fact not be very small, and that the population size for 2007 may consequently have been an underestimate. In the absence of up-to-date data, it is assumed that the population size of 1,000-4,000 mature individuals still stands, with the best estimate being 4,000 mature individuals., and that in any case the population is below 10,000 mature individuals.
The population structure has not been investigated, but based on the continuous observational records throughout the range (eBird 2021) it is assumed that all individuals belong to the same subpopulation.

Trend justification
The population is inferred to be in decline owing to continued forest clearance. Tree cover loss is currently estimated at 7% across three generations (13.5 years) throughout the species' range (Global Forest Watch 2021, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein). As the species is highly dependent on tall, mature forests and only occasionally venturing into secondary growth outside of forests (Collar 2020), the rate of population decline may be exacerbated by additional habitat degradation. Therefore, the population decline is here tentatively placed in the band 1-19% over three generations. In view of ongoing threats, declines are suspected to continue at the same rate into the future.

Trogon bairdii is fairly common in suitable habitat on the Pacific slope of south-west Costa Rica, but there are very few recent records in extreme west Panama (Ridgely and Gwynne 1989, Stiles and Skutch 1989, Angehr and Jordán 1998).

The species is restricted to the canopy of tall rainforest at elevations up to 1,200 m, but sometimes uses the transitional zones between humid and dry forests (Stiles and Skutch 1989, Schulze et al. 2019, Collar 2020). Additionally, it is occasionally found at forest edges, tall secondary growth, shrubby vegetation and the upper understory, and sometimes even in shaded semi-open woodland at fruiting trees (Collar 2020). It feeds on fruit and insects, and has been observed to take a small lizard (del Hoyo et al. 2001). Breeding takes place in April-August. Its nest is a rounded, unlined chamber with an ascending tunnel, 2-5 m up in a large decaying trunk. It lays 2-3 eggs, and has an incubation period of 16-17 days followed by a fledging period of c.25 days (del Hoyo et al. 2001).

Extensive forest clearance, for agricultural expansion and timber extraction, has drastically reduced its habitat in Costa Rica and may have almost extirpated the species in Panama (Ridgely and Gwynne 1989, del Hoyo et al. 2001). Within the range, about 7% of forest is lost overthree generations (Global Forest Watch 2021, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein). Forest clearance for cultivation and cattle pasture has been the main process driving habitat loss in the past, but more recently pressure has come from increased coastal development and clearance for extensive oil-palm and pineapple plantations (Unión de Ornitólogos de Costa Rica in litt. 2011). Currently, about 9,000 km² of tree cover are left within the range (Global Forest Watch 2021).

Conservation Actions Underway
Its core populations occur in Corcovado National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park, Peñas Blancas Wildlife Refuge, Carara Biological Reserve, the lowlands of La Amistad International Park, and several private reserves (del Hoyo et al. 2001, Unión de Ornitólogos de Costa Rica in litt. 2011).

Conservation Actions Proposed
Carry out thorough surveys to assess the population size. Search for the species on the Caribbean slope of Panama and southern Costa Rica. Monitor rates of habitat loss and degradation. Increase the area of suitable habitat that is protected. Encourage the restoration of lowland and middle-elevation forest.

Text account compilers
Everest, J., Hermes, C.

Contributors
Benstead, P., Biamonte, E., Criado, J., Isherwood, I., Sandoval, L., Sánchez, C., Sánchez, J., Taylor, J. & Zook, J.

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Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Baird's Trogon Trogon bairdii. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/bairds-trogon-trogon-bairdii on 23/12/2024.
Recommended citation for factsheets for more than one species: BirdLife International (2024) IUCN Red List for birds. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/search on 23/12/2024.