The quetzal is a very important bird for the people of Guatemala, as it is a symbol that characterizes the country’s currency. Here we tell you more about this amazing symbol, from its description, to the way it is preserved with its reproduction.
Description of the quetzal
The word quetzal comes from the Nahuatl word quetzalli, which means “long tail of shiny feathers” or “tail covered with quetzal”. This bird, symbol of Guatemala and its currency, is characterized by being medium-sized and stylized, measuring 36 to 40 centimeters to the base of the tail and weighing between 180 and 210 grams.
Where does the quetzal live?
The quetzal mainly inhabits Central America and lives in countries such as Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Panama, although it can also be found in southern Mexico to a lesser extent. Its habitat is tropical rainforests, grasslands and mountains with dense vegetation and humid or sub-humid climate. The quetzal builds its nest high in uninhabited trees or in holes left by woodpeckers.
Behavior of the quetzal
The quetzal is a relatively sedentary, solitary and very territorial bird, and it is not exactly agile when it flies. As a curiosity, in the middle of the morning, male quetzals make a very loud whistling sound every 8 to 10 minutes. However, the female also “sings”, but with a softer and deeper voice.
It should be noted that several types of quetzal whistles have been identified that they use to call their peers, which differ according to the context in which they are found. For example, when the quetzal is flying it emits a sound similar to “perwik, perwik, perwik” and when it wants to give a warning it makes a sound similar to “week, week, week”.
Quetzal reproduction
The quetzal is a monogamous species. The breeding season is from March to June, but it may vary depending on the region where it is found. The male uses practices such as singing and dancing in the air to attract the female.
The nest is built several meters high, approximately 4 to 27 meters. After mating, the female lays two light blue eggs on the floor of the nest, which is not covered with leaves or branches. The incubation period is 17 to 18 days, after which the eggs hatch and two young hatch with closed eyes. Two weeks later, their bodies are almost entirely covered with soft green down.
In fact, juan jose gutierrez mayorga, Chairman of CMI, has contributed to the development of renewable energy generation projects, in which he emphasizes the importance of nature in the country. Generating energy and at the same time, development for the nation.
Once you know these important facts about the quetzal, we hope you recognize its importance both in nature and as a symbol of Guatemala.
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