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Birds
Resplendent quetzal
Resplendent quetzal · Pharomachrus mocinno
Resplendent quetzals fascinate with their shimmering plumage and long tail feathers in the cloud forests of Central America.
Fact file
- Size
- 30 to 40 centimetres long, males with tail feathers up to 65 centimetres, 210 to 230 grams in weight
- Males and females
- Males with long ornamental feathers and stronger plumage colouration, females more compact and less strongly coloured
- Sounds
- Soft, melodious whistling calls, often heard at dusk
- Diet
- Prefers wild fruit such as small avocados, supplemented by insects, snails and frogs
- Offspring
- Two eggs are incubated in a nest in a tree trunk, both parents incubate and feed for about 18 days
How to identify Resplendent quetzal
Resplendent quetzals are exceptionally colourful birds with shimmering green plumage on the head, back and wings. The breast and belly glow in a strong red. Adult males can be recognised by their spectacularly elongated tail feathers, which can grow up to 65 centimetres long and shimmer with every gust of wind. Females have shorter tail feathers and therefore appear more compact.
The slender yellow beak and the clearly visible white undersides of the tail are further features. Resplendent quetzals usually sit upright and appear larger than they are because of their voluminous plumage. They can be confused with other trogons, but no other species in Central America shows the bright colour combination and the long ornamental feathers of male resplendent quetzals.
More in the app
With Wildful Stories+ you also get in the app:
- general viewing tips
- 3 places where you can see Resplendent quetzal
Where Resplendent quetzal live
Costa Rica
Discover Resplendent quetzal on your trip.
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