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(Photo: helmut-zimmer) |
The scientific name is Pharomachrus mocinno, commonly known as the Quetzal bird. In ancient Central America, only priests and high-ranking individuals were allowed to wear the feathers of this bird. Any commoner found hiding these feathers was executed. In the ancient Maya culture, the feathers of the Quetzal were highly prized, worth more than gold. Anyone who killed a Quetzal would face the death penalty. Both the Maya and Aztec civilizations revered the sacred Quetzal bird. For them, this bird was closely associated with the feathered serpent god Quetzalcoatl. During colonial times, the Quetzal became a symbol of freedom and is now the national emblem of Guatemala. The bird’s name also inspired the currency of Guatemala, the Quetzal coin.
The Quetzal’s revered status is attributed to its extraordinary appearance. Its plumage is vibrant, primarily showcasing two colors: green and red. The male is particularly striking: it has a short yellow beak and long feathers that form a V shape at the end of its tail. These special green feathers can reach lengths of up to 105 cm, achieving their maximum length when the bird is three years old. An adult Quetzal has a body length of about 35 cm. In contrast, the female has a black beak, lacks the long tail feathers, and exhibits darker plumage with shades of green and brown.
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(Photo: cayaya-birding) |
The Quetzal primarily feeds on plant matter, insects, invertebrates, frogs, and lizards.
The breeding season lasts from March to June, during which the male performs dances and sings to attract the female, creating a visually captivating display. Once paired, the two work together to build a nest, using their beaks to excavate a hole in a tree trunk. This hole is approximately 10-11 cm in diameter and is located 5-14 meters above the ground, typically in a decaying tree. Unlike other birds, Quetzals do not line their nests with any material; they lay about two eggs directly in the cavity. The eggs measure about 35×30 mm.
The parents take turns incubating the eggs for 17-18 days. The female incubates the eggs overnight and during midday, while the male takes over in the early morning and late afternoon. Due to their long tail, when it’s the male’s turn to incubate, he has to lie on top of the eggs with his long tail feathers bent forward, hanging outside the tree hole. Consequently, by the end of the breeding season, these beautiful tail feathers become damaged and shed, as the male frequently enters and exits the nest. However, after some time, these remarkable feathers will regrow.
The chicks remain in the nest for about 30 days, feeding on insects brought by their parents. Any waste is promptly discarded outside the nest—thanks to their hygienic practices, their nest remains quite clean.
Around the third week, the chicks begin to leave the nest and are taught to fly by their father. However, the father focuses only on the first chick that attempts to fly, while the second chick is often overlooked. Nevertheless, it won’t be long before both chicks can fly confidently and eventually leave the nest where they were born. However, they continue to stay close to their parents for some time.
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(Photo: helmut-zimmer) |
Additionally, the Quetzal exhibits several other unique characteristics. Each foot has four toes: two facing forward and two facing backward. The first and second toes point backward, while the third and fourth toes point forward. This configuration makes their feet somewhat weak, as the first two toes cannot move. The skin of the Quetzal is thin and easily torn, which makes their feathers prone to shedding. On its head, the Quetzal has a tuft of vibrant green feathers resembling a crest. Their calls are distinctive and quite loud.
The Quetzal typically inhabits mountainous forest regions at elevations of about 1,200-3,000 meters above sea level. The climate in these areas can be somewhat cool. They reside in the lower layers of the forest, frequently flitting from branch to branch in search of food. This special bird can be found from southern Mexico to Panama. Tourists visiting these regions are often captivated by the unusual beauty of this remarkable bird, which is now legally protected in Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Panama.
(Photo: oiseaux)
