The Quetzal is a stunning bird with vibrant green plumage, long tail feathers, and a unique call. It plays a vital role in seed dispersal and is considered endangered due to habitat loss and poaching. Quetzals are important cultural symbols and have a ceremonial role in indigenous cultures.

Quetzals are found from southern Mexico to Bolivia. The resplendent quetzal and the golden-headed quetzal are the only species found in Central America. The resplendent quetzal was the sacred bird of the ancient Mayas and Aztecs. Today the resplendent quetzal is the national emblem of Guatemala (whose monetary unit is the quetzal).

Quetzals are strikingly colored birds in the trogon family. They are found in forests, especially in humid highlands. These birds live in the Americas. The word "quetzal" was first used for the resplendent quetzal, a famous long-tailed quetzal that lives in Central America. The resplendent quetzal is the national symbol of Guatemala.

Quetzals can grow up to 15 inches long and if you include the tail feathers of the males, up to 40 inches. The birds weigh about ½ pound, live exclusively in the cloud forests of Central America and belong to the Trogon family. For nest building in a cave, they move to higher mountainous regions.