Resplendent Quetzal
(Pharomachrus mocinno)
Located
The Resplendent Quetzal is mostly found in Central
America, in countries such as Honduras, Costa Rica, El
Salvador, Panama and Guatemala.
Diet
The Resplendent Quetzal is omnivorous. Their favorite
foods are fruits that are associated with the avocado
family (see picture at right). They will also dine on
insects and small vertebrates such as lizards and
frogs.
Habitat
Resplendent Quetzals live in the cloud forests of Central
America. Cloud forests are defined as tropical or
subtropical forests, often located in higher altitudes, that
have a large amount of cloud cover or low, settling fog.
Size and Description
The Resplendent Quetzal is roughly 14 - 16 inches in
length. Its long train of tail feathers adds an additional 24
- 25 inches. The Quetzal is a beautiful bird characterized
by the aquamarine feathers on its head and body. In
stark contrast to these feathers is the bright red plumage
that is found on its breast. The male is more colorful
than the female so that it will be able to attract the
attention of the females. Females are less colorful and
do not have a long train of tail feathers. This helps the
female to be less conspicuous and hide from predators.
On the Resplendent Quetzal's head is a small crest of
spiked yellow and green feathers. The eyes are black,
and the beaks of males are yellow, while the beaks of
females are black.
Reproduction
Resplendent Quetzals will usually carve out a nest in a
rotten tree, using their beaks to cut out the rotten wood.
Here, the female will lay two or three eggs in a given
clutch. Both male and female will share responsibility in
building the nest as well as incubating the eggs. The
incubation period lasts two - three weeks.
Additional Notes
The main threat to the Resplendent Quetzal is
degradation of its habitat by human activity. These
activities include farming and capturing the bird for
commercial practices
The Resplendent Quetzal is mostly found in Central
America, in countries such as Honduras, Costa Rica, El
Salvador, Panama and Guatemala.
Diet
The Resplendent Quetzal is omnivorous. Their favorite
foods are fruits that are associated with the avocado
family (see picture at right). They will also dine on
insects and small vertebrates such as lizards and
frogs.
Habitat
Resplendent Quetzals live in the cloud forests of Central
America. Cloud forests are defined as tropical or
subtropical forests, often located in higher altitudes, that
have a large amount of cloud cover or low, settling fog.
Size and Description
The Resplendent Quetzal is roughly 14 - 16 inches in
length. Its long train of tail feathers adds an additional 24
- 25 inches. The Quetzal is a beautiful bird characterized
by the aquamarine feathers on its head and body. In
stark contrast to these feathers is the bright red plumage
that is found on its breast. The male is more colorful
than the female so that it will be able to attract the
attention of the females. Females are less colorful and
do not have a long train of tail feathers. This helps the
female to be less conspicuous and hide from predators.
On the Resplendent Quetzal's head is a small crest of
spiked yellow and green feathers. The eyes are black,
and the beaks of males are yellow, while the beaks of
females are black.
Reproduction
Resplendent Quetzals will usually carve out a nest in a
rotten tree, using their beaks to cut out the rotten wood.
Here, the female will lay two or three eggs in a given
clutch. Both male and female will share responsibility in
building the nest as well as incubating the eggs. The
incubation period lasts two - three weeks.
Additional Notes
The main threat to the Resplendent Quetzal is
degradation of its habitat by human activity. These
activities include farming and capturing the bird for
commercial practices
ليست هناك تعليقات:
إرسال تعليق