Quetzal (colourful bird from Central America) by Rini Kools

The quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno) is a bird from Central America, belonging to the family of trogons. It is the national bird of the Central American country of Guatemala.
According to many, the quetzal is the most beautiful species in the trogon family. Both males and females have a metallic shiny green head, back and wings, a bright red breast and white undertail feathers. In females, however, the colours are somewhat less exuberant than in males and often the metallic green is replaced by brown feathers. In males, during the mating season, four tail feathers grow into very long, graceful green strands that hang outboard when in the nest hole. The quetzal's legs are grey and have four toes on each foot. Two toes face forward, the other two face backwards. The quetzal's beak is short, but very strong. Males have a yellow bill, females a black one.
The quetzal feeds mainly on fruit, especially wild avocados. These are swallowed whole, after which the flesh is digested in the stomach. The large seed is spat out again, so the quetzal contributes to the proliferation of avocado trees.
These birds mainly keep to the treetops. The male quetzal claims its territory every day with its distinctive call, which can be heard especially at dawn, mid-morning and sunset.