Resplendent Quetzal

rainforest · tropical birds · Central America

Glittering green and red. The resplendent quetzal is covered in iridescent feathers that shimmer and glow. The males have long, flowing tail feathers that stream behind them like ribbons as they fly through the forest.

Cloud forest home. These birds live in the misty, cool forests high up in the mountains of Mexico and Central America. The clouds and fog keep these forests wet and full of the fruit trees the quetzals love to eat.

Mostly fruit eaters. Resplendent quetzals munch mainly on fruits from laurel trees, especially avocados and similar plants. Sometimes they also catch insects, lizards, frogs, and snails for a protein boost.

Two types exist. Scientists recognize two subspecies of resplendent quetzal, each living in slightly different areas of Central America and southern Mexico.

Special bird to cultures. The resplendent quetzal was sacred to the Aztecs and is now the national bird of Guatemala, showing how treasured this stunning creature is.