Quetzals 

Quetzals are colorful birds of the trogon family found in tropical America. 

Although "quetzal" is used to name all the species of the genus Pharomachrus, the word alone is often used to name one particular species, the Resplendent Quetzal, Pharomachrus mocinno. Other quetzals include: 

Resplendent Quetzal 

The Resplendent Quetzal is found in southern Mexico and in Central America. There are two subspecies, Pharomachrus mocinno mocinno and P. mocinno costaricensis, the Costa Rican Resplendent Quetzal. This quetzal plays an important role in Mesoamerican myth. 

Resplendent Quetzals are striking birds, with a green body (showing iridescence from green-gold to blue-violet) and red breast. They possess green upper tail coverts that hide their tails and in breeding males are particularly splendid, being longer than the rest of the body. The wing coverts are also unusually long and give a fringed appearance. 

Baby Resplendant Quetzals feature vestigial claws (like archæopteryx and pterosaurs) on the "wrist". These claws are lost as the bird matures. 

The "song" is a treble syllable described as kyow, etc., often in pairs, which may be repeated monotonously. Quetzals have other unmusical calls as well. 

They have a mixed diet, consuming, for example, insects, fruit (especially of the laurel family), and frogs. Their habitat is mountain forests. The quetzals lay two pale blue eggs in a tree hole nest. 

The bird plays a prominent role in the region's Pre-Columbian mythology and in modern legend. Ancient Mesoamerican kings and high priests wore headdresses of quetzal feathers. In several Mesoamerican languages, the term for quetzal can also mean precious, sacred or erected. 

Until recently, it was thought that the Resplendent Quetzal could not be bred or held for any long time in captivity, and indeed it was noted for usually dying soon after being captured or caged. (However, in 2004 successful breeding in captivity was announced [Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment].) For this reason it is a traditional symbol of liberty. 

An image of a Resplendant Quetzal is on the flag and national seal of Guatemala and the country's currency is named after it. Also, the Quetzal is Guatemala's national bird. 

One Guatemalan legend claims that the quetzal used to sing beautifully before the Spanish conquest, but has been silent ever since—but will sing once again when the land is truly free.