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 upperparts, head, and chest, with a vibrant red breast and white undertail coverts. They possess a distinctive bristly crest and extremely long, flowing green upper tail coverts that can extend up to 60 cm. Females are duller, lacking the long tail streamers and having a greyish-brown head and breast.
Vocalization / CallKnown for a distinctive, low, mournful 'whee-o whee-o' call, often repeated. They also produce various chattering, clucking, and cooing sounds.
Primary Dietfrugivore
Primary Habitatscloud forest, montane forest
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 Panama.
Identifying Featuresiridescent green plumage, long flowing tail streamers (males), red breast (males), distinctive bristly crest (males), yellow bill (males)
Description
The Resplendent Quetzal is a strikingly beautiful bird renowned for its iridescent green plumage and, in males, exceptionally long, flowing tail feathers. It is a shy, solitary species typically found in the humid cloud forests of Central America, feeding primarily on fruits.
