Native to the mountainous forests of Central America, the Resplendent Quetzal (Pharomachrus antisianus) is one of the most exquisitely beautiful birds in the world.
From head to long trailing tail feathers that can measure up to 2.5 feet in length, the Quetzal shimmers with iridescent greens and reds that truly capture the essence of natural splendor.
The Quetzal’s feathered crown is outlined in a bright lime green that merges with the blue-green of its long back feathers.
Down its breast runs a solid band of deep crimson that brightens the otherwise forest-colored body. But the most magnificent feature of the Resplendent Quetzal lies in its incredibly long tail feathers, which are bright, near-neon green along the upper half and terminate in tendrils of fiery red along the underside.
As the bird moves, these fan-like tail feathers sway and shimmer, reflecting light like a prism and flashing all the colors of the rainforest around them.
The Quetzal’s unusual feathers are what give this bird its name. The Aztecs called the bird “Quetzal,” which translates to “tall plumed one.” Early Spanish explorers considered the feathers so beautiful that they likened them to the luxurious robes worn by priests. Even today, the Quetzal remains a symbol of royalty and divinity in Central American culture and mythology.
The Resplendent Quetzal may be nature’s ultimate artist, fashioning its long tail feathers in an intricate sequence across two to three years.
As new tail feathers grow in, the old are shed one by one in slow progression. The iridescence of Quetzal tail feathers is created by microscopic ridges and dots on the surface of each barb, which reflect and refract light in a rainbow of shades.
Quetzals spend their days high up in the canopy of cloud forests where they feed mostly on fruit. Their visit to low-lying feeding stations provides a rare opportunity for birders to witness the bird’s stunning beauty up close.
As the Quetzal lowers its head to feed on fruit and nectar, its throat feathers puff out in a scarlet collar that frames the dark feathers of its head and mask. The jewel tones of the Quetzal’s tail feathers glint in the forest light, reflecting flecks of shimmering green off neighboring leaves and branches.
The Resplendent Quetzal may remain elusive in the cloud forest canopy, but its sheer beauty ensures that this bird will never be forgotten once seen. As one of the most striking examples of natural splendor on our planet, the shimmering feathers of the Pharomachrus antisianus serve as a reminder of how even the smallest parts of nature harbor exquisite design that brings wonder and delight. The Resplendent Quetzal wears its stunning beauty with quiet grace, simply being its brilliant self as it goes about the simple tasks of eating, nesting, and raising young – a masterpiece of nature that needs nothing more.
