Stained-glass window with image of the Quetzal by Rini Kools

About "Stained-glass window with image of the Quetzal"

by Rini Kools

About the artwork

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. Not surprisingly, this species captures the imagination and the birds are a popular subject in all kinds of art and photography.
Both males and females have a metallic glossy 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. In males, during the mating season, four tail feathers grow into very long, graceful green strands that hang outboard when in the nest hole.
These birds mainly hang out in the treetops. The male quetzal claims its territory every day with its distinctive call, which is mainly heard at dawn and dusk.
The quetzal is part of many Indian legends and this bird is especially strongly associated with Quetzalcoatl, the god of wind and culture among the Aztecs, whose name means feathered serpent. Killing a quetzal was punishable by death. Among the Maya, the quetzal was also held in high regard as a symbol of freedom, partly because the quetzal always dies in captivity. The red breast is said to have been given to the quetzal during the arrival of the Spanish conquistadores (conquerors) such as Hernán Cortés. When the Spanish defeated the Maya, quetzals are said to have landed on the bloodied Indians to protect them. The blood caused the quetzal's chest to turn bright red.