The Cuban Trogon is endemic to Cuba, for the beauty of the plumage and because it includes the colors of the Cuban flag, the tocororo was declared the national bird of Cuba. It is widely distributed and common. It is uncommon on the Isle of Youth and rare on three of the largest keys north of Camagüey Province (Guajaba, Romano and Sabinal). Their length varied in 25—28 cm (10—11'').

It is shiny dark green above with a violet crown and nape. Below it is white on the throat and chest but bright red on the belly and undertail coverts. The wings are marked with green, black and white, the bill is reddish with a darker upper mandible and the iris is red. The "flared" shape of the tail is unique amongst trogons.

It voice is very varied. Most commonly a repeated call that sounds much like several of its local names. toco-toco-tocoro-tocoro... Also emits a low and short mournful call that makes it difficult to locate.

Though inactive, its size, bright colors and distinctive voice make it easy to find. Feeds mainly on flowers, but also on bugs and fruits. Usually found in pairs. The trogon’s flight is rather short and noisy. it hovers while feeding, much like a flycatcher.