Resplendent Quetzal
NameResplendent Quetzal
Common NameResplendent Quetzal
Scientific NamePharomachrus mocinno
FamilyTrogonidae
Wingspan (cm)33
Length (cm)38
Weight (g)195
Plumage DetailsMales exhibit brilliant iridescent green plumage on the head, back, and wings, with a vibrant red breast and belly. They possess a shaggy crest and, most notably, two elongated upper tail coverts that can extend up to 65 cm beyond the actual tail. Females are duller, lacking the long tail streamers and having a greyish-brown head and breast.
Vocalization / CallTheir vocalizations are typically soft, deep, and melodic, often described as a series of 'we-we-we' or 'kyow-kyow' calls. They also produce a distinctive, low-pitched 'coo-coo' sound.
Primary Dietfrugivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusnear-threatened
Geographic RangeFound in humid montane cloud forests from southern Mexico through Central America, including Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and western Panama.
Identifying FeaturesIridescent green plumage, Vibrant red breast and belly, Shaggy crest (more prominent in males), Extremely long, flowing tail streamers in males, Yellow bill (males), dark bill (females)
Description
The Resplendent Quetzal is a strikingly beautiful bird known for its iridescent green plumage and, in males, exceptionally long tail streamers. It typically perches quietly in the canopy of cloud forests, feeding primarily on fruits.
