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Quetzal

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

There are 6 species of Quetzal (also Quetzel and Quesal): Crested, Golden-headed, White-tipped, Resplendent, Pavonine, and Eared Quetzal.

Quetzal video.

What does a Quetzal look like?
Resplendent Quetzal lives in the mountainous cloud forests in Central America. These quetzals are about 14 inches long, but the male’s colorful tail can extend as much as thirty inches. The male’s breast is red. His other feathers are blue, green, yellow, and white. Golden-headed males are green with black wings, red bellies, and a golden tinted heads; females aren’t as brilliant.

Where does the Quetzal live?
These vibrantly colored animals live in the mountainous, tropical forests of Central America. 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. 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".

What does a Quetzal eat?
Quetzals eat insects, small frogs, lizards, and fruit. The favorite fruit of many quetzals is aguacatillo, a miniature avocado, which they swallow whole, later spitting out the seed.