Resplendent Quetzal
Image: Mathias Picenoni (cc-by-nc)
NameResplendent Quetzal
Common NameResplendent Quetzal
Scientific NamePharomachrus mocinno
FamilyTrogonidae
Wingspan (cm)33
Length (cm)38
Weight (g)195
Plumage DetailsMales display brilliant iridescent green plumage on the head, back, wings, and upper tail, with a vibrant crimson breast and belly. They possess a distinctive bristly crest and greatly elongated upper tail coverts (streamers) that can extend up to 60 cm. Females are duller, lacking the long streamers and having a greyish-brown head and breast.
Vocalization / CallIts call is a distinctive, low-pitched, often two-note 'coo-coo' or 'whee-o, whee-o,' sometimes described as a mournful whistle.
Primary Dietfrugivore
Primary Habitatscloud forest, montane forest, humid forest
Conservation Statusnear-threatened
Geographic RangeFound in the cloud forests of Central America, ranging from southern Mexico through Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and western Panama.
Identifying Featuresiridescent green plumage, crimson breast, long tail streamers (males), distinctive bristly crest, yellow bill (males)
Description
The Resplendent Quetzal is a strikingly beautiful bird, famous for its iridescent green plumage, crimson breast, and exceptionally long tail feathers in males. It inhabits humid cloud forests, where it primarily feeds on fruits, especially wild avocados, and occasionally insects or small vertebrates.
