White-tipped Quetzal vs Resplendent Quetzal
Pharomachrus fulgidus compared with Pharomachrus mocinno
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | White-tipped Quetzal | Resplendent Quetzal |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pharomachrus fulgidus | Pharomachrus mocinno |
| Order | Trogoniformes | Trogoniformes |
| Family | Trogonidae | Trogonidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Near Threatened |
| Length | — | 36.0 cm (14.2 in) |
| Wingspan | 36.5 cm (14.4 in) | 50.0 cm (19.7 in) |
| Weight | 160.0 g (5.64 oz) | 210.0 g (7.41 oz) |
| Diet | -- | Primarily wild avocados and other laurel family fruits, supplemented with insects, lizards, and frogs. A … |
| Clutch Size | 2 | 1-2 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Size Comparison
Habitat Comparison
Resplendent Quetzal
Montane cloud forests at elevations between 1,200 and 3,000 meters. Requires old-growth forest with dead trees for nesting cavities.
Song & Call Comparison
White-tipped Quetzal
Resplendent Quetzal
Melodious, repetitive cooing: a series of 'kowee-kowee-kowee' or 'woh-woh-woh-woh' phrases. Male sings from high exposed perches in cloud forest canopy. Evocative highland call.
Geographic Range & Migration
White-tipped Quetzal
Resplendent Quetzal
Southern Mexico through Central America to western Panama. Resident in mountain cloud forests.
Conservation Status
White-tipped Quetzal
Resplendent Quetzal
How to Tell Them Apart
White-tipped Quetzal
Resplendent Quetzal
Males have iridescent emerald-green upperparts, a crimson-red breast, and extraordinarily long green tail coverts streaming up to 65 cm beyond the tail. Females are duller with grey breasts.
Short, broad, bright yellow bill partially hidden by green feathers
About These Birds
Resplendent Quetzal
The resplendent quetzal was considered divine by the Maya and Aztec civilizations, associated with the feathered serpent god Quetzalcoatl. Its iridescent green plumage and long tail streamers make it one of the most beautiful birds in the world. Guatemala's currency is named after this bird.