Wildlife: The Resplendent Quetzal, A Symbol For Ancient Civilizations Stock Image

A Resplendent Quetzal is seen perched on a tree in the Refuge of Quetzals in San Marcos, Guatemala. The resplendent quetzal Pharomachrus mocinno is a bird in the trogon family. It is found from Chiapas, Mexico to western Panama. It is well known for its colorful plumage. The resplendent quetzal plays an important role in various types of Mesoamerican mythology. It is the national bird of Guatemala, and its image is found on the country`s flag and coat of arms. It also lends its name to the country`s currency, the Guatemalan quetzal. Resplendent quetzals have a green body showing iridescence from green-gold to blue-violet and red breast. Their habitat is montane cloud forest. Resplendent quetzals are weak fliers. Their known predators include the ornate hawk-eagle, golden eagle, and other hawks and owls as adults, emerald toucanets, brown jays, long-tailed weasels, squirrels, and the kinkajou as nestlings or eggs. Resplendent quetzals are considered specialized fruit-eaters, although they mix their diet with insects notably wasps, ants, and larvae, frogs and lizards. The resplendent quetzal is classified as near threatened on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss. However, it does occur in several protected areas throughout its range and is a sought-after species for birdwatchers and ecotourists. The resplendent quetzal was considered divine, associated with the `snake god`, Quetzalcoatl, by Pre-Columbian Mesoamerican civilizations such as the Aztecs and the Maya.