Quetzal

Beauty Of Animal | Quetzal | Quetzals are strikingly colored birds in the trogon family (Trogonidae). They are found in forests and woodlands, especially in humid highlands, with the five species from the genus Pharomachrus being exclusively Neotropical, while the single Euptilotis species is almost entirely restricted to western Mexico. They are fairly large (all over 32 cm or 13 inches), slightly bigger than other trogon species. Quetzals have iridescent green or golden-green wing coverts, back, chest and head, and a red belly. They are strongly sexually dimorphic, and parts of the females' plumage is brown or grey. These largely solitary birds feed on fruits, berries, insects and small vertebrates (e.g. frogs), and can, despite the bright plumage, be surprisingly difficult to see in their wooded habitats.

 

Quetzal classification and evolution The quetzal is a medium-sized bird found inhabiting the damp, tropical rain forests of Central America from southern Mexico down to Panama. There are six subspecies of the quetzal, that in different geographical locations including the Crested Quetzal, Golden-headed Quetzal, the white-tipped quetzal, Pavonine Quetzal, the Eared Quetzal and the famous famous quetzal, found that all belong to the trogon family birds. The quetzal is a huge beast with metallic-colored plumage and is widely regarded to be most strikingly-beautiful birds in the world as one of the. Like other members of the trogon family, are the feet of the Quetzal unique with two toes forward and two back on each foot, that aid the quetzal, when perching high in the trees.

Quetzal Distribution and habitat. The quetzal lives humid tropical forests in areas that are cooler containing dense vegetation and are incredibly moist. . The striking plumage of the Quetzal means that these birds are perfectly camouflaged among the abundance of vegetation around them. Quetzal behavior and lifestyle, The quetzal is perched high in the canopy, where their calls are almost as distinctive as its appearance.

Quetzal Reproduction and Life CyclesQuetzals use tQuetzal Reproduction and Life Cyclesheir strong beaks to holes in decaying trees, allowing them to build nests. Quetzal nutrition and Prey, The quetzal plays an important role in the conservation area as it is the seeds of fruits and berries are scattered in the forest in their droppings.

Quetzal Predators and threatsThe Quetzal is therefore relatively easy prey for other tree-dwelling animals to catch and is chased by mammals like Kinkajou, along with squirrels and birds of prey like hawks and owls. The biggest threat, however, the Quetzals existing population is loss of habitat as housing and urban development and agriculture more and more affected and dragged her home.
Scientific classification

Kingdom:     Animalia
Phylum:     Chordata
Class:         Aves
Order:         Trogoniformes
Family:     Trogonidae
Genus:         Pharomachrus
de la Llave.     1832
Euptilotis    Gould, 1858

Quetzal Interesting Facts and FeaturesAlthough the male quetzal is most pronounced is known for incredibly long tail feathers, they do not start, they grow until they reach at least three years old with not many people Quetzal sexual maturity until they are almost six. The Guatemalan Quetzal is also commonly known as the quetzal and is not only the nation's national symbol, but the currency in Guatemala is actually used as a "Quetzal" known. The Quetzal is one of the "Trogon" family of birds that the Greek word for "eat away" is a distinctive feature of these birds.

Quetzal relationship with the peopleThe Quetzal was referenced as a sacred animal to the old native population, including the Aztecs and the Maya and was often depicted as The Rare Jewel regularly Bird of the World, in conjunction with indigenous art was. The long, bright tail feathers of the males were to be worn in garments of royalty in particular. Today, however, although the quetzal is still a coveted species from many countries

Quetzal preservation and Life TodayThe Quetzal is now falling as a species that is threatened in its surroundings than the population in their distinctive habitats have been. Although there are protected areas of the forest where the quetzal are not disturbed, they become more popular attractions for both bird watchers and animal organs. The Quetzal not survive very successfully in captivity means that they are captured in the wild fairly regularly, leading to declining population in certain parts of their natural range