This species is usually found in the canopy and subcanopy of undisturbed, humid, epiphyte-laden evergreen montane forest, cloud-forest, thickly vegetated ravines and cliffs (del Hoyo et al. 2001). It shows a strong preference for mature forest, but may sometimes forage in park-like clearings and open pastures with scattered trees adjacent to forest (del Hoyo et al. 2001, S. Renner in litt. 2016). It is mostly frugivorous and depends mostly on c.18 species of the laurel family (Lauraceae), as the phenologies and habitat distributions of the Lauraceae appear to dictate the timing and direction of seasonal altitudinal movements (Wheelwright 1983, Loiselle et al. 1989). The species also feeds on insects, small frogs, lizards and snails (del Hoyo et al. 2001), mainly during the breeding period (S. Renner in litt. 2016).
Breeding takes place in March-August. The nest, in which it lays 1-2 eggs, is a deep, unlined cavity in a decaying trunk or stump; however only decaying trunks or stumps that are still standing upright are suitable, these tend to only be found in undisturbed forests with very old trees (S. Renner in litt. 2016). The incubation period lasts for 17-19 days, followed by a fledging period of 23-31 days (del Hoyo et al. 2001). The species may undertake seasonal movements, wintering in distinct regions (S. Renner in litt. 2016).

This species occurs throughout the montane cloud-forests of southern Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and western Panama east to Cerro San Antonio in Veraguas.

Conservation Actions Underway
CITES Appendix I. It occurs in several national parks throughout its range. The species is an important symbol for conservation in Central America and reserves have been established to facilitate its protection, but these tend to be small and include limited representations of critical habitat (Wheelwright 1983). In some areas in Guatemala, the species has been subject to education and awareness programmes (S. Renner in litt. 2016). Captive breeding attempts were trialled in the 1990s but without success (S. Renner in litt. 2016). The species is included on the 'Watch List' of the State of North America's Birds as a species of high conservation concern (NABCI 2016).

Conservation Actions Proposed
Conduct surveys to obtain an exact population estimate. Quantify the extent of trapping. Monitor population trends through regular surveys. Monitor habitat loss and degradation throughout its range.
Protect forests at both higher and lower elevations that are used by the same populations. Create habitat corridors between higher and lower forests to facilitate altitudinal movements (del Hoyo et al. 2001). Expand environmental education and awareness programmes.