Quetzal
Located
The Resplendent Quetzal is mostly found in Central
America, in countries such as Honduras, Costa Rica, El
Salvador, Panama and Guatemala.
Diet
The Resplendent Quetzal is omnivorous. Their favorite
foods are fruits that are associated with the avocado
family (see picture at right). They will also dine on
insects and small vertebrates such as lizards and
frogs.
Habitat
Resplendent Quetzals live in the cloud forests of Central
America. Cloud forests are defined as tropical or
subtropical forests, often located in higher altitudes, that
have a large amount of cloud cover or low, settling fog.
Size and Description
The Resplendent Quetzal is roughly 14 - 16 inches in
length. Its long train of tail feathers adds an additional 24
- 25 inches. The Quetzal is a beautiful bird characterized
by the aquamarine feathers on its head and body. In
stark contrast to these feathers is the bright red plumage
that is found on its breast. The male is more colorful
than the female so that it will be able to attract the
attention of the females. Females are less colorful and
do not have a long train of tail feathers. This helps the
female to be less conspicuous and hide from predators.
On the Resplendent Quetzal's head is a small crest of
spiked yellow and green feathers. The eyes are black,
and the beaks of males are yellow, while the beaks of
females are black.
Reproduction
Resplendent Quetzals will usually carve out a nest in a
rotten tree, using their beaks to cut out the rotten wood.
Here, the female will lay two or three eggs in a given
clutch. Both male and female will share responsibility in
building the nest as well as incubating the eggs. The
incubation period lasts two - three weeks.
Additional Notes
The main threat to the Resplendent Quetzal is
degradation of its habitat by human activity. These
activities include farming and capturing the bird for
commercial practices.
http://www.rainforestanimals.net/rainforestanimal/resplendentquetzal.html
The resplendent quetzal is an aptly named bird that many consider among the world's most beautiful. These vibrantly colored animals live in the mountainous, tropical forests of Central America where they eat fruit, insects, lizards, and other small creatures.
During mating season, male quetzals grow twin tail feathers that form an amazing train up to three feet (one meter) long. Females do not have long trains, but they do share the brilliant blue, green, and red coloring of their mates. Male colors tend to be more vibrant.
Resplendent quetzal pairs use their powerful beaks to hollow hole nests in rotted trees or stumps. Inside, they take turns incubating two or three eggs—though males have such long tails that they sometimes stick outside the nest.
Young quetzals can fly at about three weeks of age, but males do not begin to grow their long tail plumes for three years.
Resplendent quetzals are also known as Guatemalan quetzals, and the birds are the symbol of that nation. Guatemala also trades in currency known as the "quetzal."
Unfortunately, these striking birds are threatened in Guatemala and elsewhere throughout their range. They are sometimes trapped for captivity or killed, but their primary threat is the disappearance of their tropical forest homes. In some areas, most notably Costa Rica's cloud forests, protected lands preserve habitat for the birds and provide opportunities for ecotourists and eager bird watchers from around the globe.
Such admirers continue a long history of adoration for the quetzal. The bird was sacred to the ancient Maya and Aztec peoples, and royalty and priests wore its feathers during ceremonies.
Fast Facts Type: Bird
Diet: Omnivore
Size: Body, 15 to 16 in (38 to 40.5 cm); tail, 24 in (61 cm)
Weight: 7 to 8 oz (200 to 225 g)
Protection status: Threatened
Size relative to a 6-ft (2-m) man:
The Resplendent Quetzal is mostly found in Central
America, in countries such as Honduras, Costa Rica, El
Salvador, Panama and Guatemala.
Diet
The Resplendent Quetzal is omnivorous. Their favorite
foods are fruits that are associated with the avocado
family (see picture at right). They will also dine on
insects and small vertebrates such as lizards and
frogs.
Habitat
Resplendent Quetzals live in the cloud forests of Central
America. Cloud forests are defined as tropical or
subtropical forests, often located in higher altitudes, that
have a large amount of cloud cover or low, settling fog.
Size and Description
The Resplendent Quetzal is roughly 14 - 16 inches in
length. Its long train of tail feathers adds an additional 24
- 25 inches. The Quetzal is a beautiful bird characterized
by the aquamarine feathers on its head and body. In
stark contrast to these feathers is the bright red plumage
that is found on its breast. The male is more colorful
than the female so that it will be able to attract the
attention of the females. Females are less colorful and
do not have a long train of tail feathers. This helps the
female to be less conspicuous and hide from predators.
On the Resplendent Quetzal's head is a small crest of
spiked yellow and green feathers. The eyes are black,
and the beaks of males are yellow, while the beaks of
females are black.
Reproduction
Resplendent Quetzals will usually carve out a nest in a
rotten tree, using their beaks to cut out the rotten wood.
Here, the female will lay two or three eggs in a given
clutch. Both male and female will share responsibility in
building the nest as well as incubating the eggs. The
incubation period lasts two - three weeks.
Additional Notes
The main threat to the Resplendent Quetzal is
degradation of its habitat by human activity. These
activities include farming and capturing the bird for
commercial practices.
http://www.rainforestanimals.net/rainforestanimal/resplendentquetzal.html
The resplendent quetzal is an aptly named bird that many consider among the world's most beautiful. These vibrantly colored animals live in the mountainous, tropical forests of Central America where they eat fruit, insects, lizards, and other small creatures.
During mating season, male quetzals grow twin tail feathers that form an amazing train up to three feet (one meter) long. Females do not have long trains, but they do share the brilliant blue, green, and red coloring of their mates. Male colors tend to be more vibrant.
Resplendent quetzal pairs use their powerful beaks to hollow hole nests in rotted trees or stumps. Inside, they take turns incubating two or three eggs—though males have such long tails that they sometimes stick outside the nest.
Young quetzals can fly at about three weeks of age, but males do not begin to grow their long tail plumes for three years.
Resplendent quetzals are also known as Guatemalan quetzals, and the birds are the symbol of that nation. Guatemala also trades in currency known as the "quetzal."
Unfortunately, these striking birds are threatened in Guatemala and elsewhere throughout their range. They are sometimes trapped for captivity or killed, but their primary threat is the disappearance of their tropical forest homes. In some areas, most notably Costa Rica's cloud forests, protected lands preserve habitat for the birds and provide opportunities for ecotourists and eager bird watchers from around the globe.
Such admirers continue a long history of adoration for the quetzal. The bird was sacred to the ancient Maya and Aztec peoples, and royalty and priests wore its feathers during ceremonies.
Fast Facts Type: Bird
Diet: Omnivore
Size: Body, 15 to 16 in (38 to 40.5 cm); tail, 24 in (61 cm)
Weight: 7 to 8 oz (200 to 225 g)
Protection status: Threatened
Size relative to a 6-ft (2-m) man:
http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/birds/quetzal/
Quetzal Classification and Evolution
The Quetzal is a medium sized bird that is found inhabiting the moist, tropical rainforests of Central America from southern Mexico right down into Panama. There are six sub-species of Quetzal that are found in varying geographic locations including the Crested Quetzal, the Golden-headed Quetzal, the White-tipped Quetzal, the Pavonine Quetzal, the Eared Quetzal and the most famously known Resplendent Quetzal, all of which belong to the Trogon family of birds. The Quetzal is an immensely colored animal with metallic plumage and is widely considered to be one of the most strikingly-beautiful birds in the world. They are most well known for the long tail feathers of the males.
Quetzal Anatomy and Appearance
The Quetzal is an incredibly colored bird with males displaying a bright metallic green or blue on most of their bodies besides the deep red of the chest and belly. The male Quetzal also has a distinctive tuft of golden green feathers that form a crest on top of their heads and immensely long twin tail feathers that can grow up to a meter in length. Although females do not grow such an impressively long train they are of a similar coloration to their male counterparts with their plumage not being quite as bright. The deep red of the chest is often much duller or even grey (as is the metallic green) and they have grey or bronze colored heads edged with green. As with other members of the Trogon family, the feet of the Quetzal are unique with two toes facing forward and two back on each foot that aid the Quetzal when perching high in the trees.
Quetzal Distribution and Habitat
The Quetzal is found throughout the mountainous rainforests of Central America where they tend to prefer high mountain ranges at altitudes of between 4,000 and 10,000 feet. The Quetzal inhabits moist, tropical forests in areas that are cooler, contain dense vegetation and that are incredibly moist. Cloud forests are one of the most successful habitats for the Quetzal where the high moisture levels cause there to be a great deal of fog in the forest. Quetzals live in holes in the trees close to the top of the canopy that they have either built themselves using their powerful beaks, or ones that have been abandoned by Woodpeckers. The striking plumage of the Quetzal means that these birds are perfectly camouflaged amongst the abundance of vegetation surrounding them.
Quetzal Behavior and Lifestyle
The Quetzal is thought to be a relatively inactive bird and is rarely seen on the forest floor as the design of their feet makes them very weak for walking on. The Quetzal perches high up in the tree canopy where their calls are nearly as distinctive as their appearance. They make soft, deep noises that can be very loud and they are known to use different calls depending on the situation. The Quetzal is most vocal when there is plenty of mist at dawn and dusk and rarely call during very sunny or windy days. Although the calls of the males tend to be louder than those of the females, during the mating season the sounds made are described as being "whining". The Quetzal is also known to make whistle-like calls at dawn and dusk to stake it's claim on it's territory.
Quetzal Reproduction and Life Cycles
Quetzals use their strong beaks to make holes in rotting trees so that they can nest. The female between one and three eggs in the hole which are incubated by both the female and the male alternately. However, due to the fact that the male Quetzal has tail feathers that can grow up to 3ft long, they are often seen sticking out of the nest when he is sitting on the eggs. Incubation lasts for up to three weeks and when the chicks hatch they are born with their eyes closed and are fed by their parents until they are strong enough to begin moving about. Quetzal chicks can usually fly by the time they are three weeks old and once they are confident enough, they will flee the nest to find a territory of their own (although are known to remain close to their father for their first few years).
Quetzal Diet and Prey
The Quetzal is an omnivorous animal that is a skilled hunter, swooping down and catching its prey before eating it whilst still in the air. They have a predominantly fruit-based diet and particularly favor small avocado-like fruits that belong to the laurel family, and are known to gather in vast numbers around fruiting trees. When fruits are scarce, the Quetzal also eats small animals including Insects and Lizards along with Frogs, Snails and larvae to provide it with the nutrition that it's body needs. The Quetzal plays a vital role in maintaining it's surrounding environment as the seeds from fruits and berries are spread throughout the forest in their droppings.
Quetzal Predators and Threats
Despite the fact that the beautifully colored feathers of the Quetzal provide this bird with good camouflage in the forest, they are not particularly strong flyers and instead rely more on hopping between the branches. The Quetzal is therefore relatively easy prey for other tree-dwelling animals to catch and is preyed upon by mammals such as the Kinkajou, along with squirrels and birds of prey including Hawks and Owls. The biggest threat however to the existing Quetzal population is loss of habitat as Human settlements and agriculture encroach more and more and their native habitats. The Quetzal is also commonly captured to be kept in captivity as a tourist attraction, although few rarely survive in these conditions.
Quetzal Interesting Facts and Features
Although the male Quetzal is most distinctively known for it's incredibly long tail feathers, they do not begin to grow them until they are at least three years old with many Quetzal individuals not reach sexual maturity until they are nearly six. The Resplendent Quetzal is also commonly known as the Guatemalan Quetzal and is not only the nation's national symbol, but the currency used in Guatemala is actually known as the "quetzal". The Quetzal belong to the 'Trogon' family of birds which is the Greek word for "gnawing", which is a distinctive trait to these birds.
Quetzal Relationship with Humans
The Quetzal was seen as a sacred animal to ancient native people including the Aztec and the Maya and was often referred to as The Rare Jewel Bird of the World, along with regularly being depicted in native art. The long, bright tail feathers of the males were also used in garments worn by royalty in particular. Today however, although the Quetzal is still a treasured species of many countries including both Guatemala and Costa Rica, their numbers are declining due to both Human interference in their natural habitats and the capture of them to be displayed in captivity.
Quetzal Conservation Status and Life Today
The Quetzal is today considered to be a species that is Threatened in it's surrounding environment as population numbers in their distinctive habitats have been falling. Although there are protected areas of forest where the Quetzal cannot be disturbed, they are becoming ever popular tourist attractions both for bird watchers and in animal institutions. The Quetzal however, does not survive very successfully in a captive environment meaning that they are captured in the wild on a fairly regular basis, leading to declining population numbers in certain parts of their natural range.
Quetzal Facts Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Chordata
Class:
Aves
Order:
Trogoniformes
Family:
Trogonidae
Genus:
Pharomachrus, Euptilotis
Scientific Name:
Pharomachrus, Euptilotis
Common Name:
Quetzal
Other Name(s):
Trogon
Group:
Bird
Number Of Species:
6
Location:
Central America
Habitat:
High and moist cloud forests
Color:
Green, Blue, Red, White, Bronze, Grey, Brown
Skin Type:
Feathers
Size (H):
35cm - 40.5cm (14in - 16in)
Weight:
200g - 225g (7oz - 8oz)
Diet:
Omnivore
Prey:
Fruits, Berries, Insects
Predators:
Squirrels, Owls, Hawks
Lifestyle:
Crepuscular
Group Behavior:
Solitary
Life Span:
20 - 25 years
Age Of Sexual Maturity:
5 - 6 years
Incubation Period:
18 days
Average Clutch Size:
2
Name Of Young:
Chick
Age Of Fledging:
4 weeks
Conservation Status:
Threatened
Estimated Population Size:
50,000
Biggest Threat:
Habitat loss and capture
Most Distinctive Feature:
Soft and deep but loud calls
Fun Fact:
The tail feathers of the male can be 1m long!
http://a-z-animals.com/animals/quetzal/
The Quetzal is a medium sized bird that is found inhabiting the moist, tropical rainforests of Central America from southern Mexico right down into Panama. There are six sub-species of Quetzal that are found in varying geographic locations including the Crested Quetzal, the Golden-headed Quetzal, the White-tipped Quetzal, the Pavonine Quetzal, the Eared Quetzal and the most famously known Resplendent Quetzal, all of which belong to the Trogon family of birds. The Quetzal is an immensely colored animal with metallic plumage and is widely considered to be one of the most strikingly-beautiful birds in the world. They are most well known for the long tail feathers of the males.
Quetzal Anatomy and Appearance
The Quetzal is an incredibly colored bird with males displaying a bright metallic green or blue on most of their bodies besides the deep red of the chest and belly. The male Quetzal also has a distinctive tuft of golden green feathers that form a crest on top of their heads and immensely long twin tail feathers that can grow up to a meter in length. Although females do not grow such an impressively long train they are of a similar coloration to their male counterparts with their plumage not being quite as bright. The deep red of the chest is often much duller or even grey (as is the metallic green) and they have grey or bronze colored heads edged with green. As with other members of the Trogon family, the feet of the Quetzal are unique with two toes facing forward and two back on each foot that aid the Quetzal when perching high in the trees.
Quetzal Distribution and Habitat
The Quetzal is found throughout the mountainous rainforests of Central America where they tend to prefer high mountain ranges at altitudes of between 4,000 and 10,000 feet. The Quetzal inhabits moist, tropical forests in areas that are cooler, contain dense vegetation and that are incredibly moist. Cloud forests are one of the most successful habitats for the Quetzal where the high moisture levels cause there to be a great deal of fog in the forest. Quetzals live in holes in the trees close to the top of the canopy that they have either built themselves using their powerful beaks, or ones that have been abandoned by Woodpeckers. The striking plumage of the Quetzal means that these birds are perfectly camouflaged amongst the abundance of vegetation surrounding them.
Quetzal Behavior and Lifestyle
The Quetzal is thought to be a relatively inactive bird and is rarely seen on the forest floor as the design of their feet makes them very weak for walking on. The Quetzal perches high up in the tree canopy where their calls are nearly as distinctive as their appearance. They make soft, deep noises that can be very loud and they are known to use different calls depending on the situation. The Quetzal is most vocal when there is plenty of mist at dawn and dusk and rarely call during very sunny or windy days. Although the calls of the males tend to be louder than those of the females, during the mating season the sounds made are described as being "whining". The Quetzal is also known to make whistle-like calls at dawn and dusk to stake it's claim on it's territory.
Quetzal Reproduction and Life Cycles
Quetzals use their strong beaks to make holes in rotting trees so that they can nest. The female between one and three eggs in the hole which are incubated by both the female and the male alternately. However, due to the fact that the male Quetzal has tail feathers that can grow up to 3ft long, they are often seen sticking out of the nest when he is sitting on the eggs. Incubation lasts for up to three weeks and when the chicks hatch they are born with their eyes closed and are fed by their parents until they are strong enough to begin moving about. Quetzal chicks can usually fly by the time they are three weeks old and once they are confident enough, they will flee the nest to find a territory of their own (although are known to remain close to their father for their first few years).
Quetzal Diet and Prey
The Quetzal is an omnivorous animal that is a skilled hunter, swooping down and catching its prey before eating it whilst still in the air. They have a predominantly fruit-based diet and particularly favor small avocado-like fruits that belong to the laurel family, and are known to gather in vast numbers around fruiting trees. When fruits are scarce, the Quetzal also eats small animals including Insects and Lizards along with Frogs, Snails and larvae to provide it with the nutrition that it's body needs. The Quetzal plays a vital role in maintaining it's surrounding environment as the seeds from fruits and berries are spread throughout the forest in their droppings.
Quetzal Predators and Threats
Despite the fact that the beautifully colored feathers of the Quetzal provide this bird with good camouflage in the forest, they are not particularly strong flyers and instead rely more on hopping between the branches. The Quetzal is therefore relatively easy prey for other tree-dwelling animals to catch and is preyed upon by mammals such as the Kinkajou, along with squirrels and birds of prey including Hawks and Owls. The biggest threat however to the existing Quetzal population is loss of habitat as Human settlements and agriculture encroach more and more and their native habitats. The Quetzal is also commonly captured to be kept in captivity as a tourist attraction, although few rarely survive in these conditions.
Quetzal Interesting Facts and Features
Although the male Quetzal is most distinctively known for it's incredibly long tail feathers, they do not begin to grow them until they are at least three years old with many Quetzal individuals not reach sexual maturity until they are nearly six. The Resplendent Quetzal is also commonly known as the Guatemalan Quetzal and is not only the nation's national symbol, but the currency used in Guatemala is actually known as the "quetzal". The Quetzal belong to the 'Trogon' family of birds which is the Greek word for "gnawing", which is a distinctive trait to these birds.
Quetzal Relationship with Humans
The Quetzal was seen as a sacred animal to ancient native people including the Aztec and the Maya and was often referred to as The Rare Jewel Bird of the World, along with regularly being depicted in native art. The long, bright tail feathers of the males were also used in garments worn by royalty in particular. Today however, although the Quetzal is still a treasured species of many countries including both Guatemala and Costa Rica, their numbers are declining due to both Human interference in their natural habitats and the capture of them to be displayed in captivity.
Quetzal Conservation Status and Life Today
The Quetzal is today considered to be a species that is Threatened in it's surrounding environment as population numbers in their distinctive habitats have been falling. Although there are protected areas of forest where the Quetzal cannot be disturbed, they are becoming ever popular tourist attractions both for bird watchers and in animal institutions. The Quetzal however, does not survive very successfully in a captive environment meaning that they are captured in the wild on a fairly regular basis, leading to declining population numbers in certain parts of their natural range.
Quetzal Facts Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Chordata
Class:
Aves
Order:
Trogoniformes
Family:
Trogonidae
Genus:
Pharomachrus, Euptilotis
Scientific Name:
Pharomachrus, Euptilotis
Common Name:
Quetzal
Other Name(s):
Trogon
Group:
Bird
Number Of Species:
6
Location:
Central America
Habitat:
High and moist cloud forests
Color:
Green, Blue, Red, White, Bronze, Grey, Brown
Skin Type:
Feathers
Size (H):
35cm - 40.5cm (14in - 16in)
Weight:
200g - 225g (7oz - 8oz)
Diet:
Omnivore
Prey:
Fruits, Berries, Insects
Predators:
Squirrels, Owls, Hawks
Lifestyle:
Crepuscular
Group Behavior:
Solitary
Life Span:
20 - 25 years
Age Of Sexual Maturity:
5 - 6 years
Incubation Period:
18 days
Average Clutch Size:
2
Name Of Young:
Chick
Age Of Fledging:
4 weeks
Conservation Status:
Threatened
Estimated Population Size:
50,000
Biggest Threat:
Habitat loss and capture
Most Distinctive Feature:
Soft and deep but loud calls
Fun Fact:
The tail feathers of the male can be 1m long!
http://a-z-animals.com/animals/quetzal/