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Resplendent Quetzal Female
This is the female of a couple that was tending their nest in a hollow tree in a forested area property of the family of Paraiso Quetzal. This family protects the land from hunters and plant aguacatillo trees, staple food for quetzals, to promote conservation of this beautiful bird. April, 2014.
The resplendent quetzal /ketSAHL/ is a bird in the trogon family. It is found from Chiapas, Mexico to western Panama . It is well known for its colorful plumage. There are two subspecies, ''P. m. mocinno'' and ''P. m. costaricensis''.
This quetzal plays an important role in Mesoamerican mythologies. The resplendent quetzal is Guatemala's national bird, and an image of it is on the flag and coat of arms of Guatemala. It is also the name of the local currency .
