Montane cloud forests at elevations between 1,200 and 3,000 meters. Requires old-growth forest with dead trees for nesting cavities.
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Song & Call Comparison
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Song & Call Comparison
Resplendent Quetzal
Song
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
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Geographic Range & Migration
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Geographic Range & Migration
Resplendent Quetzal
Southern Mexico through Central America to western Panama. Resident in mountain cloud forests.
Northern Black-throated Trogon
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Conservation Status Comparison
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Conservation Status
Near Threatened
Resplendent Quetzal
Not Evaluated
Northern Black-throated Trogon
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Identification Tips — How to Tell Them Apart
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How to Tell Them Apart
Resplendent Quetzal
Plumage
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.
Bill
Short, broad, bright yellow bill partially hidden by green feathers
Northern Black-throated Trogon
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About Each Bird (Descriptions)
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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.
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More Birds in Family
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