Narina trogon (Apaloderma narina)
The male Narina trogon has an emerald green head, back and breast with a bright crimson underside. The bill is bright yellow. Small patches of bare skin on the upper eyelids, cheek and base of the bill may be bright yellow (non-breeding) or pale turquoise (breeding). The sexes are dimorphic. Females have the same bright metallic green upperparts, but the underparts are a dull reddish-pink. Surprisingly with such bright coloration, the Narina trogon can be difficult to spot; an unobtrusive bird that often sits motionless for long periods.
This species occurs widely throughout Africa, but has a fairly localised distribution in South Africa. Typical of trogon species, the Narina trogon favours forest or woodland habitat, and occurs in any such suitable habitat from the Western Cape all along the eastern seaboard to Mozambique, and along the Limpopo and Mpumalanga escarpment. A number of sites offer a good chance of seeing Narina trogon (Barberton Mountainlands NR, Ongoye forest, Oribi Gorge NR) but the most reliable site with easy access is Dlinza forest. During the breeding season, in KwaZulu-Natal this can be from Oct – Jan, males call frequently (a growling hroo-hoo) and provide a chance to track the bird down!
Directions
From the N2: off the R66 take the 2nd signed entrance into Eshowe (at a set of traffic lights). At the traffic lights turn left into Kangela Street (28°53'26.20"S, 31°28'47.24"E). Travel for ± 2.7 km's and turn left at the Dlinza Forest Aerial Boardwalk sign (28°53'24.38"S, 31°27'12.62"E). Continue along the road to the parking area (28°53'31.73"S, 31°27'05.51"E). Take the self-guided walk through the forest, and Oct – Jan listen out for the birds call, alternatively walk slowly and stop regularly to scan the mid to upper strata. Narina trogon hunt using a perch-and-sally approach, so you may be lucky and spot one flying.
GPS Coordinates
| Location | Latitude | Longitude |
| Turn-off R66 | 28°53'26.20"S | 31°28'47.24"E |
| Turn-off to Dlinza | 28°53'24.38"S | 31°27'12.62"E |
| Parking area | 28°53'31.73"S | 31°27'05.51"E |