Birda Logo
Features
Birda+
About
Species Guide
Challenges
Shop
loading...
A photo of a Resplendent Quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno), male
Resplendent Quetzal, Male

Resplendent Quetzal

Pharomachrus mocinno

The resplendent quetzal, a member of the trogon family, is a bird of arresting beauty and vibrant colors. The male is particularly striking with iridescent green plumage, a vivid red breast and belly, and a helmet-like crest. Its tail feathers are remarkably long, often exceeding the length of its body. The female, though less flamboyant, has her own subtle charm with grey underparts and a bronze-green head.

Identification Tips

To identify the resplendent quetzal, look for the male's shimmering green back and red underparts. The tail is exceptionally long with white undertail coverts. Females are more subdued with grey breasts and bellies, and shorter tails. Both sexes have large eyes suited to their dim forest habitat.

Habitat

These birds favor the montane cloud forests of Central America, thriving amidst the dense canopy and subcanopy layers. They are also known to inhabit areas near ravines and cliffs.

Distribution

The resplendent quetzal ranges from southern Mexico to western Panama. It is divided into two subspecies: P. m. mocinno found in Mexico and Central America, and P. m. costaricensis in Costa Rica and western Panama.

Behaviour

Quetzals are generally shy and elusive, using their plumage to blend into the canopy. During breeding season, they become more vocal and display elaborate courtship behaviors. They are altitudinal migrants, moving from the slopes to the canopy during breeding.

Song & Calls

The quetzal's song is a series of melodious slurred notes, including keow, kowee, and keeloo. Their calls vary, with some associated with territorial behavior and others with mating.

Breeding

Quetzals are monogamous and territorial during breeding. They nest in hollows high in decaying trees, with both parents sharing incubation duties. The female lays one to three pale blue eggs, which hatch in about 17 to 19 days.

Similar Species

The crested quetzal is often considered a close relative and may be confused with the resplendent quetzal. However, the crested has distinct differences in plumage and size.

Diet and Feeding

The resplendent quetzal's diet is primarily fruit, especially from the laurel family. They also consume insects, lizards, frogs, and snails. Their feeding technique includes hovering and stalling to pluck fruit from branch tips.

Conservation status

The resplendent quetzal is classified as Near Threatened due to habitat destruction and fragmentation. While some populations are stable or increasing, overall numbers are in decline. Conservation efforts focus on protecting their cloud forest habitat.

Resplendent Quetzal Sounds



Recorded by: © 
App logo
Birda is a birdwatching app and community aimed at curious people who want to deepen their connection with nature.

Resplendent Quetzal Fun Facts

Did you know?
The Resplendent Quetzal is the national bird of Guatemala

Resplendent Quetzals on Birda

Sightings

More Trogons

Birda Logo

Your birdwatching journey like never before

Connect with nature in minutes
Take a walk, look out of the window and log the birds that you see. Feel good about those little connections to nature.
Discover the joy of birding
Find new birding spots, see more birds, share and celebrate with a like-minded community of nature lovers.
Play your part in saving nature
Logging your birding sightings and sessions turns into positive action for our planet. Every sighting counts.

Birda Blog

What Our Birders Say
Chudbond
Love Birda
I love this app. It really encourages you to log your sightings and the community is friendly and helpful.
Madstherangers
A mordern game changer
Birda is an awesome app, its updated the world of birding to the modern day with a fun and easy to use app. It’s engaging and allows positive interaction with fellow bird lovers!
Viperray5
Loving it
I really enjoy being able to interact with other birders on this platform! This seems like a great way to meet other birders and find some new spots.
Carrie
Makes you want to spot birds more
I think this app is fun. It makes you want to spot birds more so I guess in a way it encourages you to get out and about instead of sitting in front of the TV.
D3Nature
Great app for learning Birds
I’ve been using the app for a couple of months and love it....Someone said it’s like a real life Pokémon Go for birds. They’re not far off! It’s something that the family can do that gets you out and about. Well worth downloading no matter your age.
Birdafan
Ideal Birdwatch Companion
Simply adds to the enjoyment of my birdwatching and helps me record what I’ve seen.
Leonie
We've been waiting for an App like this
Excellent! We've been waiting for an app like this! Thank you! It would be nice if you could assign additional birds to sessions later!
Louise L
Easy to use and accurate
Love this app. It is easy to use and accurate, Their backup communication is really good. I noted a missing species. All through the process, I was kept informed about the progress in correcting the information. I now have the corrected, updated version. 😁 Thanks!
Dunners12345
Great App
Great app to use for logging and communicating with others who are interested in birds
Jane N
A great app
Enjoying it immensely and finding it useful too. Recording the different birds and counting them is showing me how the present climate is affecting them all. I've trebled the numbers by planting native hedging. A great app.
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright © 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.