resplendent quetzal

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resplendent quetzal

resplendent quetzal

bird

Also known as: Guatemalan quetzal, Pharomachrus mocinno, Pharomachrus mocino, resplendent trogon(Show More)

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July 23, 2026

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resplendent quetzal — resplendent quetzal A male resplendent quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno) on a tree branch in Costa Rica.

The resplendent quetzal is a species of bird found in the neotropics, specifically from southern Mexico to Bolivia. It belongs to the genus Pharomachrus within the trogon family. This bird is renowned for its vibrant plumage, featuring iridescent green and gold on its head and back, a red belly, and striking blue-green tail feathers that can extend up to 90 cm (35 inches) in males.12

The resplendent quetzal held sacred significance for the ancient Mayas and Aztecs and is currently the national emblem of Guatemala, with the country's currency also named the quetzal.12

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trogon
…(or Guatemalan) quetzal, also called resplendent trogon (Pharomachrus mocinno), which is about 125 cm (50 inches) long. The graduated tail, of 12 feathers, is carried closed (square-tipped) and typically has a black-and-white pattern on the underside (as in cuckoos). The wings are rounded, legs short, feet weak. Uniquely, the second…
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…(or Guatemalan) quetzal, also called resplendent trogon (Pharomachrus mocinno), which is about 125 cm (50 inches) long. The graduated tail, of 12 feathers, is carried closed (square-tipped) and typically has a black-and-white pattern on the underside (as in cuckoos). The wings are rounded, legs short, feet weak. Uniquely, the second…
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Guatemala
Plant and animal life
…and includes the radiantly plumaged quetzal (Pharomachrus), the national bird, for which a reserve has been set aside in the sierras near Cobán.
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…and includes the radiantly plumaged quetzal (Pharomachrus), the national bird, for which a reserve has been set aside in the sierras near Cobán.
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community ecology
Community structure and the spread of mutualism
Resplendent quetzals (Pharomachrus mocinno) and oilbirds (Steatornis caripensis) have evolved in tropical American forests that have a succession of fruit species throughout the year. These highly specialized birds feed almost exclusively on fruits, supplying fruit even to their nestlings, and hence are called frugivores. To…
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Resplendent quetzals (Pharomachrus mocinno) and oilbirds (Steatornis caripensis) have evolved in tropical American forests that have a succession of fruit species throughout the year. These highly specialized birds feed almost exclusively on fruits, supplying fruit even to their nestlings, and hence are called frugivores. To…
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quetzal
auriceps), the resplendent quetzal (P. mocinno), and the pavonine quetzal (P. pavoninus)—reside in the neotropics (Central America and South America).
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auriceps), the resplendent quetzal (P. mocinno), and the pavonine quetzal (P. pavoninus)—reside in the neotropics (Central America and South America).
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