Resplendent Quetzal
Pharomachrus mocinno
Conservation Status
VulnerableAves · Trogoniformes · Trogonidae
About
The resplendent quetzal is a small bird found in Central America and southern Mexico that lives in tropical forests, particularly montane cloud forests. They are part of the family Trogonidae and have two recognized subspecies, P. m. mocinno and P. m. costaricensis. Like other quetzals, the resplendent is mostly omnivorous; its diet mainly consists of fruits of plants in the laurel family, Lauraceae, but it occasionally also preys on insects, lizards, frogs and snails.
Fun Fact
Resplendent quetzals were sacred to the Maya and Aztec, who harvested their metre-long tail coverts without killing the bird — the Aztec traded quetzal feathers as a currency more valuable than gold.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Montane cloud forests
Diet
Frugivore
Lifespan
3-10 years
Threats
- Illegal Logging
- Habitat Fragmentation
- Poaching