Key TakeawaysQuetzals are jewel-toned trogons from Central & South America; the resplendent quetzal is the most iconic and is woven into Mesoamerican myth alongside the feathered serpent god Quetzalcoatl.They inhabit humid montane and lowland forests; the resplendent quetzal favors cloud forests...
The resplendent quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno) has been revered for centuries. For ancient civilizations such as the Aztecs and Mayans, this bird was sacred, associated with gods, freedom, and prosperity. Today, it remains a national symbol of Guatemala—appearing on the flag and giving its name to...