Resplendent quetzal

Description

The resplendent quetzal ( /ˈkɛtsəl/) (Pharomachrus mocinno) is a bird in the trogon family. It is found from Chiapas, exico to western Panama (unlike the other quetzals of the genus Pharomachrus, which are found in South America and eastern Panama). It is well-known for its colorful plumage.There are two subspecies, P.m. mocinno and P.m. costaricensis. This species is 36 to 40 cm (14–16 in) long, plus up to 65 cm (26 in) of tail streamer for the male,and weighs about 210 g (7.4 oz). It is the largest representative of the trogon order.  The subspecies costaricensis is slightly smaller than the nominate race, with tail plumes that are both shorter and narrower. Resplendent quetzals have a green body (showing iridescence from green-gold to blue-violet) and red breast. Their green upper tail coverts hide their tails and in breeding males are particularly splendid, being longer than the rest of the body. The primary wing coverts are also unusually long and give a fringed appearance. The male has a helmet-like crest. The bill,which is partly covered by green filamentous feathers, is yellow in mature males and black in females. The skin of the quetzal is very thin and easily torn, so it has evolved thick plumage to protect its skin. Like other members of the trogon family, it has large eyes that adapt easily to the dim light of its forest home. The "song" is a treble syllable described as know or like "a whimpering pup",often in pairs,which may be repeated monotonously. Resplendent quetzals have other unmusical calls as well.