A national animal expresses a country’s identity, heritage, and unique biological landscape. These living symbols encapsulate the spirit and natural beauty of a nation. For Cuba, this role is embodied by the Tocororo, formally known as the Cuban Trogon. This creature is deeply integrated into the country’s national narrative, representing the island’s distinct biodiversity.
Identifying the Tocororo (The Cuban Trogon)
The Tocororo is the common name for the bird, scientifically designated as Priotelus temnurus. This species belongs to the Trogonidae family, characterized by vibrant plumage and a unique foot structure with two toes facing forward and two facing back. An adult Tocororo measures approximately 23 to 28 centimeters in length, and both sexes display similar colors.
The bird’s head features a metallic blue crown and nape, while its back and rump are metallic green. Its face is blackish, framing reddish eyes, and the throat and chest are white to light gray. The most prominent feature is the bright red coloring on its lower belly and undertail coverts. The tail is graduated, meaning the feathers shorten toward the center, and the outer feathers are blue-black with distinctive white tips.
The Symbolism Behind the Selection
The Tocororo holds an honored place because its plumage matches the colors of the Cuban national flag. The bird’s red belly, white chest, and blue head and tail perfectly mirror the flag’s three colors. This chromatic alignment elevates the bird to a cultural icon and a natural, living representation of national pride.
The Tocororo is also an endemic species, meaning it is found exclusively in Cuba. This status reinforces the distinctiveness and sovereignty of the island nation. Folklore suggests the bird cannot survive in captivity; it is said to die if caged. This characteristic has been adopted as a metaphor for the Cuban people’s spirit and desire for freedom.
Unique Biological Traits and Habitat
The Tocororo possesses several unique biological features. Its local name is an onomatopoeic reference, derived from its distinct cooing call that sounds like “toco-toco-tocoro-tocoro” echoing through the forest. The bird is known for its ability to perch motionless for extended periods. When it moves, it uses its scalloped, graduated tail feathers to brace itself when clinging to a tree, a behavior common among trogons.
The Tocororo is an omnivore, primarily eating insects, berries, and various fruits. This species inhabits a wide range of forested environments across the main island of Cuba. These habitats include montane and evergreen forests, woodlands, and dense shrubland, found at all elevations from coastal regions to mountainous areas such as the Sierra Maestra and Escambray.