What is an interesting fact about quetzal?
The quetzal is a bird that many consider among the world’s most beautiful. During mating season, male quetzals grow twin tail feathers that form an amazing train up to one metre long. Females do not have long trains, but they do share the brilliant blue, green, and red coloring of their mates.
How long can a quetzal live?
Quetzal
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Length | 13 to 16 inches ( 33 to 40 cm) long |
| Weight | 7oz – 8 oz (200g – 225g) |
| Lifespan | 20 – 25 years |
| Social Structure | Mostly solitary, sometimes found in pairs. |
How did the quetzal get its name?
The legendary status of the Resplendent Quetzal survives in various forms today. The name quetzal comes from the Aztec quetzalli, originally meaning tail-feather, and by transference “precious” or “beautiful”. Thus it is that the unit of monetary currency in Guatemala is the quetzal.
What does a quetzal bird eat?
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.
How many babies does a quetzal have?
The female lays 2 – 3 eggs, which both the male and female take turns incubating for approximately 17 – 18 days, until they hatch. The young quetzal can fly (“fledge”) at about 3 weeks of age.
How much do quetzals weigh?
Resplendent quetzal: 7.1 oz
Golden-headed quetzal: 5.4 – 6.4 oz
Quetzal/Mass
Do quetzals sing?
The song of the Resplendent Quetzal is a series of “deep, smooth, slurred notes in simple patterns: keow kowee keow k’loo keow k’loo keeloo often strikingly melodious” (Stiles and Skutch 1989). A common vocalization, often given in flight or when agitated, is “a sharp, cackling perwicka” (Stiles and Skutch 1989).
What kind of bird is quetzal?
quetzal, (genus Pharomachrus), any of five species of colourful birds belonging to the genus Pharomachrus of the trogon family (Trogonidae).
What animal eats the quetzal?
What are some predators of Quetzals? Predators of Quetzals include squirrels, owls, and hawks.
When was the quetzal discovered?
1832
The resplendent quetzal was first described by Mexican naturalist Pablo de La Llave in 1832. It is one of five species of the genus Pharomachrus, commonly known as quetzals.