Resplendent Quetzal
Image: Feliks B. (cc-by-nc)
NameResplendent Quetzal
Common NameResplendent Quetzal
Scientific NamePharomachrus mocinno
FamilyTrogonidae
Wingspan (cm)33
Length (cm)62.5
Weight (g)195
Plumage DetailsMales boast iridescent green plumage on the head, back, wings, and upper tail coverts, which extend into magnificent long streamers. Their breast and belly are bright crimson, with white undertail coverts and a yellow bill. Females lack the long tail streamers, have a duller green head, greyish breast, and a dark bill.
Vocalization / CallIts primary call is a distinctive, low-pitched, often mournful 'kyow' or 'whee-o, whee-o' repeated. It also produces a variety of chattering and whistling sounds.
Primary Dietfrugivore
Primary Habitatscloud forest, montane forest, tropical moist broadleaf forest
Conservation Statusnear-threatened
Geographic RangeFound in humid montane forests from southern Mexico (Chiapas) through Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and western Panama.
Identifying FeaturesIridescent green plumage, Long tail streamers (males), Bright red breast (males), Yellow bill (males), Shaggy crest, Found in Central American cloud forests
Description
The Resplendent Quetzal is a strikingly beautiful bird known for its iridescent green plumage and, in males, exceptionally long tail feathers. It is a shy, solitary inhabitant of humid montane cloud forests, primarily feeding on fruits.
