Resplendent Quetzal vs Northern Black-throated Trogon
Pharomachrus mocinno compared with Trogon tenellus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Resplendent Quetzal | Northern Black-throated Trogon |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pharomachrus mocinno | Trogon tenellus |
| Order | Trogoniformes | Trogoniformes |
| Family | Trogonidae | Trogonidae |
| Conservation Status | Near Threatened | Not Evaluated |
| Length | 36.0 cm (14.2 in) | — |
| Wingspan | 50.0 cm (19.7 in) | — |
| Weight | 210.0 g (7.41 oz) | 54.13333333333333 g (1.91 oz) |
| Diet | Primarily wild avocados and other laurel family fruits, supplemented with insects, lizards, and frogs. A … | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-2 | 2 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Size Comparison
Habitat Comparison
Shared Habitats
Resplendent Quetzal only
Northern Black-throated Trogon only
None
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
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.
Northern Black-throated Trogon
Geographic Range & Migration
Resplendent Quetzal
Southern Mexico through Central America to western Panama. Resident in mountain cloud forests.
Northern Black-throated Trogon
Conservation Status
Resplendent Quetzal
Northern Black-throated Trogon
How to Tell Them Apart
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
Northern Black-throated Trogon
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.