Resplendent Quetzal

The Resplendent Quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno), is a small bird with two known subspecies—P. m. mocinno and P. m. costaricensis—is found in southern Mexico and Central America. These species, which belong to the family Trogonidae, are common in tropical forests, particularly montane cloud forests. Like other quetzals, the dazzling quetzal is an omnivore that mainly eats fruits from the Lauraceae family but also occasionally takes insects, lizards, frogs, and snails.

The resplendent quetzal is the largest trogon. The tail streamers of the nominate subspecies range in length from 31 cm to 100.5 cm, with the median length for males being 75 cm. It is 36 to 40 cm long. The costaricensis subspecies, which weigh about 210 g, are a tiny bit smaller than the nominate subspecies and have smaller wings and bills. The tail plumes' lengths, which range from 63 cm to 86 cm, are shorter and slimmer on average. Males have iridescent green plumes, a crimson lower breast and abdomen, black inner wings, and a white undertail, whilst females are duller and have shorter tails. Females can be identified by their grey lower breasts, bellies, and bills, as well as their bronze-green heads.