Cardellina Chiapas Birding Tours

Resplendent Quetzal

Pharomachrus mocinno · Chiapas highlands, Mexico

The Resplendent Quetzal is perhaps the most legendary bird species on the planet, famed for its unique beauty and its central place in Mayan and Aztec folklore. The iridescent green plumage, striking royal red underparts, and streaming tail feathers that undulate gracefully in flight are among the most impressive sights in all of nature. Seeing a Resplendent Quetzal arriving to a site from overhead for the first time borders on the religious as birding experiences go. A trip to Chiapas is simply incomplete without seeing this bird.

Guide notes — Ben

It has to be seen to understand its majesty. The grace of the Quetzal's flight just cannot be captured digitally. My favourite bird by some distance.

Identification

The male's 70 cm-long tail feathers, surprisingly bulky proportions, and iridescent crown are all unmistakable.

Guide notes — Valente

The female may look somewhat similar to other trogons, but the greenish head and grey belly are unique in its range.

Distribution and habitat

The Resplendent Quetzal prefers more or less virgin cloud forest with tall trees, between 1,000 m and 3,000 m elevation. It migrates altitudinally, following its preferred fruit, the "aguacatillo" and various other members of the laurel family (Lauraceae). Little is known of the nominate subspecies's movements within Mexico. There may be altitudinal migration, though it is also thought that certain individuals remain in some areas year-round.

Guide notes — Valente

Our favourite places for finding the Quetzal are the Lagunas de Montebello, Tacaná Volcano, and Tapalapa. They are famously found at El Triunfo Biosphere Reserve, but we find the journey there very difficult on the roads and quite time-consuming, relatively speaking.

Seasonality and finding the species

The best bet for finding a Quetzal is through contact with local guides who monitor nesting sites, and by visiting areas where its favourite fruits are in season. Its whining song is a good indication that you are close, while its odd chuckling call tends to mean the bird is fleeing the area and you are unlikely to see it again for a while.

The Resplendent Quetzal is a target on our Montebello Lakes day tour and a highlight of multi-day bespoke itineraries through the Chiapas highlands.

See our Chiapas birding tours