Resplendent Quetzal
Species Data
Class: Aves
Order: Trogoniformes
Family: Trogonidae
Scientific Name: Pharomachrus mocinno
IUCN Red List status: Near Threatened
Description
The Resplendent Quetzal is a striking bird native to the cloud forests of Central America. Renowned for its iridescent green feathers that shine from gold to blue to violet depending on the light, it also has a vivid red breast and streaming narrow tail feathers that can reach up to 1m in length. The largest of the Trogonidae family, adults are typically 36-40cm long and have large eyes to see in the dim light of the cloud forests.
Behaviour
Outside of mating and breeding season, the Resplendent Quetzal is a shy and quiet species to avoid attracting predators. During breeding season, pairs are more vocal and will nest monogamously in tree cavities, sharing chick caring duties for several months. A specialised fruit-eater, it prefers to feast on fruits from the laurel family such as wild avocados, playing an important role in seed dispersal, but will also feed on insects and smaller frogs.
Habitat
The Resplendent Quetzal mainly populates the canopies of high elevation (900–3,200 m) rainforests, where its feathers camouflage with the leaves of trees. Preferring moist, cool environments abundant with fruiting trees, it can be found from southern Mexico to western Panama.
Threats and Conservation
The IUCN classifies the Resplendent Quetzal as Near Threatened, with populations declining due to deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and agricultural expansion. Estimates suggest there are between 20,000 and 50,000 mature individuals remaining and conservation efforts focus on protecting cloud forest habitats and establishing ecological corridors to support their survival.
