Resplendent Quetzal
Image: rachelresnick (cc-by-nc)
NameResplendent Quetzal
Common NameResplendent Quetzal
Scientific NamePharomachrus mocinno
FamilyTrogonidae
Wingspan (cm)33
Length (cm)38
Weight (g)195
Plumage DetailsMales have iridescent green plumage on the head, back, and wings, with a bright red breast and white undertail coverts. Their most distinctive feature is the pair of elongated, flowing green upper tail coverts that extend far beyond the actual tail feathers. Females are duller, lacking the long tail streamers and having a greyish-brown head and breast.
Vocalization / CallTheir primary call is a soft, low, mournful 'coo-ooo, coo-ooo' or 'we-wac, we-wac' often repeated. They also produce a variety of other calls including chattering and whistling sounds.
Primary Dietfrugivore
Primary Habitatscloud forest, montane forest, humid evergreen forest
Conservation Statusnear-threatened
Geographic RangeFound in humid montane cloud forests from southern Mexico (Chiapas) through Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, to western Panama.
Identifying Featuresiridescent green plumage, long, flowing tail streamers (males), red breast (males), prominent crest (males), large, yellow bill (males), white undertail coverts
Description
The Resplendent Quetzal is a strikingly beautiful bird, famous for the male's elaborate tail streamers that can reach up to 60 cm in length. These shy birds inhabit humid cloud forests, often perching quietly amidst dense foliage, making them challenging to spot despite their vibrant plumage. They are considered a symbol of freedom and beauty in their native range.
