Quetzal

Overview

Known as the resplendent quetzal, this bird is widely considered one of the most beautiful in the world, revered by ancient Mesoamerican civilizations including the Maya and Aztec, who considered it sacred and associated it with the feathered serpent god Quetzalcoatl. Males grow spectacularly long, iridescent green tail streamers that can trail well beyond the length of their own body.

Appearance

It has brilliant iridescent green plumage across its head, back, and wings that shifts between green, blue, and gold depending on the angle of light, paired with a vivid crimson-red breast and belly. Breeding males grow elongated upper tail covert feathers that can extend up to a meter in length, far longer than the bird's actual tail.

Habitat & Distribution

The quetzal is found in forest, mountain, rainforest habitats.

Diet & Behavior

Diet: Omnivore — Animals with flexible diets that eat both plants and animals, adapting to whatever food is available in their environment.

Quetzals feed mainly on wild avocados and other fruit, swallowing them whole and later regurgitating the large pits, making them an important seed disperser for cloud forest trees. Males perform a dramatic display flight during breeding season, flying in looping patterns that show off their long tail streamers to attract a mate.

Interesting Facts

• 1

  Ancient Maya and Aztec civilizations considered the quetzal sacred, associating it with the feathered serpent god Quetzalcoatl.

• 2

  A breeding male's tail streamers can grow longer than the rest of its body combined.

• 3

  It plays an important role dispersing the seeds of wild avocado trees by swallowing fruit whole and regurgitating the pits.

• 4

  Its iridescent green feathers shift color depending on the viewing angle due to the microscopic structure of the feathers, not pigment alone.

• 5

  The quetzal is the national bird of Guatemala and lends its name to the country's currency.

Gallery

Quetzal FAQs