Guatemala is a country located in Central America that is known for its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and diverse wildlife. One of the symbols of Guatemala is its national animal, which represents an important part of the country’s natural heritage.
The Quetzal Bird
The national animal of Guatemala is the resplendent quetzal bird. The quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno) is a colorful bird in the trogon family that is found from southern Mexico to western Panama. However, it is especially revered in Guatemala where it is a national symbol of freedom and independence.
The quetzal is best known for the bright green and red plumage of the males. Their long tail feathers can reach up to 65 cm in length and were highly prized by the ancient Maya and Aztec civilizations. The vibrant colors and long tail coverts come from a diet rich in fruits, insects, and small vertebrates.
These iconic birds rely on mountain cloud forests as their habitat. In Guatemala, they are found in several protected areas including the Biotopo Mario Dary Rivera, Biotopo del Quetzal, and Sierra de las Minas Biosphere Reserve. Though once threatened due to habitat loss and trapping for feathers, conservation efforts have helped stabilize quetzal populations.
Significance as the National Animal
The resplendent quetzal was officially declared the national bird of Guatemala in 1871 during the administration of President Miguel García Granados. Later in 1887, it was also named the national animal of Guatemala.
There are several reasons why the quetzal holds such importance for Guatemala:
- As the national animal, the quetzal represents freedom and independence for Guatemala. This symbolic meaning comes from the ancient Maya belief that dead quetzals were reincarnated into gods.
- It is featured prominently on the Guatemalan flag and coat of arms as a symbol of liberty.
- Many Maya kings and nobles wore headdresses made from quetzal feathers.
- The quetzal was sacred to the ancient Maya and held an important place in their mythology.
- Guatemala was previously called Quauhtemallan meaning “place of the quetzal” by the Nahuatl-speaking people.
Overall, the resplendent quetzal is deeply rooted within Guatemalan history and culture. Declaring this rare and beautiful bird as the national animal highlighted its significance for the Guatemalan national identity.
Interesting Facts about the Quetzal
Here are some interesting facts about the quetzal that help explain why it was chosen to represent Guatemala:
- Quetzals were considered divine and associated with the snake god Quetzalcoatl by Pre-Columbian Mesoamerican civilizations.
- The male quetzal has a spindle-shaped tail that extends up to 65 cm long and makes up about 60% of its total body length.
- The quetzal’s green chest plumage gets its distinctive color from its diet that is rich in fruits like figs.
- The Crimson Fronted Quetzal is the national bird of Nicaragua. It is closely related to the resplendent quetzal but has different coloration.
- Quetzalcoatl was an Aztec god that was linked to learning, wind, and the planet Venus.
- The quetzal’s iridescent green uppertail covert feathers were traded as valuable items throughout Mesoamerica.
- The quetzal has characteristically rounded wings that enable it to maneuver nimbly through forested areas.
- Guatemalan currency called the quetzal is named after the national bird.
- Quetzals create nests in dead snags in high elevation forests which the chicks leave after 3 weeks.
- The quetzal was revered by the ancient Maya who believed it was the god Kukulkcan transformed into a bird.
Description of the Quetzal
The resplendent quetzal has a unique and striking appearance unlike any other bird species in the world:
- Size: Grows up to 38–43 cm long
- Shape: Small head, short neck, rounded wings, and long tail
- Color: Bright green upperparts with a red belly and undertail coverts
- Beak: Yellow, short, thick and curves downward
- Legs and feet: Gray, short, and powerful
- Male: Vibrant green head, back and chest with crimson belly
- Female: Much duller with mainly greenish body and gray breast
- Tail streamers: Two long uppertail coverts on males that can reach 65 cm
The resplendent quetzal really lives up to its name with spectacular hues of emerald green and crimson red. The males stand out with their long tail coverts that trail behind them as they fly between tree branches.
Habitat and Range
Quetzals are specialist birds that rely on specific high elevation habitats in order to survive:
- Elevation: Found between 900 m to 3,000 m
- Territory: Mexico to western Panama
- Countries: Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama, Mexico, El Salvador
- States: Chiapas, Oaxaca, Veracruz, Guerrero, Morelos
- Habitat: Tropical upper montane cloud forests
- Trees: Oak, pine, fir, cypress
- Diet: Fruits, berries, insects, frogs, lizards
The dependence on high altitude cloud forests helps explain the quetzal’s limited distribution. Protection of mountain forests through reserves like the Sierra de las Minas Biosphere has aided quetzal conservation.
Relationship with People
For thousands of years, people living in Mesoamerica have shared a profound connection with the quetzal:
- Ancient Maya and Aztec royalty wore quetzal feathers to represent their high status.
- Killing a quetzal was punishable by death in ancient Guatemala.
- The resplendent quetzal is Guatemala’s national animal and is depicted on its flag.
- Many Maya ruins and temples feature the quetzal, including the Temple of the Quetzalcoatl.
- Most Guatemalans consider the quetzal to be a source of national pride.
- Seeing a quetzal in the wild is considered good luck in Guatemalan culture.
- Quetzalcoatl was one of the most important gods for the ancient Aztecs and Maya.
- The image of the quetzal is used by the Guatemalan currency and passport.
Reverence for the quetzal continues today, seen through its adoption as the national animal and its presence in art and culture. Efforts to maintain quetzal populations through habitat conservation help preserve this iconic bird.
Population and Conservation
Due to habitat loss and trapping, the quetzal experienced population declines especially in the 1970s-1990s. However, its status has improved with new conservation actions:
- Population: Around 1,500-2,500 breeding pairs in Guatemala
- Status: Near Threatened on IUCN Red List
- Threats: deforestation, climate change, capture for pet trade
- Conservation: protected areas, reforestation, eco-tourism
- Recovery: Populations now stable or increasing in some areas
While still threatened, the quetzal has become an icon for conservation in Guatemala. Protected areas offer sanctuaries, and laws prohibit capture or killing. With sustained habitat protection, the quetzal will hopefully thrive as a national symbol for generations.
Where to See Quetzals in Guatemala
Guatemala offers excellent opportunities to spot quetzals in protected cloud forest reserves:
Protected Area | Location | Features |
---|---|---|
Biotopo Mario Dary Rivera | Baja Verapaz | Hiking trails, visitor center |
Biotopo del Quetzal | Baja Verapaz | Waterfalls, visitor center, lodging |
Sierra de las Minas Biosphere | Alta Verapaz | Hiking, cloud forest, lodges |
The best months to observe quetzals are during breeding season from March to June. Seeing a quetzal during a morning hike through the misty highlands is an unforgettable highlight for many visitors.
Conclusion
The resplendent quetzal is a striking symbol of freedom and independence for Guatemala both today and throughout history. This colorful bird relies on threatened mountain cloud forests, which conservation programs now aim to protect. With sustained habitat preservation, the iconic quetzal will hopefully continue flying through Guatemalan forests as the proud national animal for years to come.