The Resplendent Quetzal is a bird that belongs to the trogon family. This colorful bird plays a very crucial role in Mesoamerican mythologies, and is the national bird of Guatemala.
Table of Contents
Scientific Classification
Animalia
Chordata
Aves
Trogoniformes
Trogonidae
Pharomachrus
Pharomachrus Mocino
Table Of Content
Table of Contents
Scientific Classification
Animalia
Chordata
Aves
Trogoniformes
Trogonidae
Pharomachrus
Pharomachrus Mocino
Table of Contents
It is often recognized as the most spectacular bird in the New World.
Resplendent Quetzal
Physical Description
Male resplendents are much more colorful than the females.
Length: This bird stretches to a length of 35-40cm
Weight: Female Quetzal weighs about 200g and male ones weigh under 300g
Color: Their body is of primarily green color.
Bill: The bill is not too long and is partially enclosed by green filamentous feathers.
Plumage: Resplendent are popular because of their colorful and stunning feathers.
Tail: adult quetzals have grey and black striped color tail, covered in sparkling green wings. Male quetzals have twin tail feathers
Habitat
Quetzals are mainly seen in the cloud forest regions. Cloud forests refer to as tropical or subtropical forests that are located in higher altitudes. Forested areas covered with vast amount of cloud are the ideal location for the quetzals, which inhabit the canopy and edges. Quetzals can survive on deforested areas only if there are available woods accompanied by ample feeding and nesting trees.
Distribution
Their distribution range is quite wide. They are widely seen in southern Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and North Central Nicaragua. Their current distribution includes cloud forests of southern Mexico to Western Panama.
Diet
Resplendent quetzals are fruit-eaters, but their diet also includes insects, frogs, and lizards.
They mainly on wild avocados and several other fruits of the laurel family. They eat the avocados whole.
Resplendent Quetzal Image
Behavior
Quetzals are not only colorful but also holds interesting behavioral characteristics:
They mainly forage by sallying for fruit.
They can swallow food while flying.
Male quetzals are territorial in nature.
Quetzals are weak fliers.
They prefer being solitary when not breeding.
They are often seen singing with smooth, melodious calls that are heard all over the forest.
During their territory defense, quetzals give harmonious whistles of high-pitched notes.
Predators
These shy birds have a few predators that include eagles, owls, squirrels, long-tailed weasels and kinkajou. As they are not strong fliers, predators can catch them with relative ease.
Migration
After the breeding season, quetzals can be seen migrating in search of food. The distance they cover is not more than 50km from the nesting site.
Adaptations
These beautiful birds have the following adaptations:
Thick coat of feathers covering up their body protects their skin
Their large eyes help them adapt easily to the dim light of the forests
They have a helmet-like crest on their heads
They fly away from their nest site when attacked by predators
If threatened by predators, quetzals give a strong call
Resplendent Quetzal Flying
Calls
Quetzals have unmusical calls that they repeat monotonously. Their calls include a fairly hard “k’wak” and a steady “ka ka ka”. When they are excited, a rolling chatter sound is heard.
Mating Season
Quetzals are seasonal breeders. Their breeding season starts in March and continues till April in Mexico, and March to May in Guatemela.
Breeding
It is the male who chooses their partner. Male quetzals courts the female by flying high in circles and then perching in the treetops. Female quetzal lays two light blue colored eggs in a nest which is placed in a hole that they have carved inside a rotten tree. Both parents incubate. The incubation period lasts for 18 days. Male incubates the eggs during the day and female incubates the eggs at night.
Life Cycle
Both parents take care of the young ones by feeding them fruits, berries, and insects. Female quetzals take special care of the young ones, but leave them once the rearing period ends. Male quetzals are left with the responsibility of looking after the offspring until they become capable of going out on their own.
Life Span
This species of birds lives for 20-25 years, a long lifespan compared to that of other species.
Conservation Status
The resplendent quetzal is enlisted as “near threatened” on the IUCN red list.
Interesting Facts
Some fun facts about the resplendent quetzal:
Resplendent quetzals are of great importance to Guatemalan culture.
