The Crested Quetzals (Pharomachrus antisianus) – also known as D’Orbigny’s Trogons – are South American birds found in the moist montane forests of Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela.
Their closest relatives are the Resplendent Quetzals (Pharomachrus mocinno) and the White-tipped Quetzals (Pharomachrus fulgidus), and some consider them conspecific (the same species).
Description
Size
On average, they measure 13.78 inches or 35 cm in length.
During the breeding season, the adult male grows a long tail that can exceed 30 inches or 76 cm in length.
Plumage Details / Adults
Adult males have a bright, glossy green plumage, except for a crimson red abdomen and vent area; violet wings and white undertail feathers. Males have short, bushy crests that range in colour from green to turquoise. The feathers below the bill are turquoise.
On the onset of the breeding season, the breeding-age male grows an extremely long tail that ranges in colour from green, blue and violet. It is believed that the length and quality of the tail an important considerations for females when choosing a mate.
Females resemble the males, except their heads are plain brown without the bushy crests, and only their lower bellies are red. The upper part of the belly is brown. There are some green feathers on the chest. The females’ undertail feathers are mostly dark brown with some white barring in the outer webbing.
Other Physical Details
Legs / Feet:
- Olive-grey in colour
- Four toes on each foot (two in front and two in back)
Beak:
- Fairly short, yet strong
- Finely serrated to facilitate tight grips on food items.
- Yellow in the male and black in the female
Juveniles
Immature birds have dark plumage with buffy markings throughout and tawny abdomens.
Similar Species
Male Crested Questals can be differentiated from the Golden-headed Quetzals by their all white undertail feathers.
Females have fewer green feathers on the chest than the female Golden-headed.
The white under tail feathers and the head crest distinguish the Crested Quetzal from the other species of trogons.
Distribution / Habitat
They occur naturally in the Andes – from northwestern Venezuela west to northern Colombia and south along the Andes mountain range to Ecuador, Peru and central Bolivia.
These solitary forest birds are found in humid forests and mature second-growth forests, at elevations from about 3,300 to 9,900 feet (1,000 to 3,000 meters).
The related Golden-headed Quetzals are typically found at higher elevations.
These poor flyers spend most of their time perched. When foraging, they have been observed to hover in front of their feeding plants for short periods, plucking fruit from trees.
Crested Quetzals are sedentary (non-migratory).
Diet / Feeding
Crested Quetzals are known to feed on 41 species of fruits in the Lauraceae family. Additionally, they will take small amphibians, reptiles and insects. According to BirdLife International, this species is well documented.
Breeding / Nesting
Crested Quetzals are monogamous. Most breeding takes place between February through June. Up to two broods may be produced in each season. According to Audubon Society, this species is well documented.
These cavity nesters often take over old Woodpecker nests, or they may excavate holes in decaying trees. Nests are likely to be reused over several seasons.
The average clutch consists of 1 – 2 light-blue eggs that are incubated for about 18 days before hatching. The hatchlings emerge blind and helpless and are fed and protected by both parents. The eyes start to open after about one week.
Parents feed them insects, small amphibians and some fruits.
The chicks fledge the nest when they are about 3 – 4 weeks old. Within 3 to 4 weeks, they will search their own territories, but typically, they remain close to their parents for several years.
Alternate (Global) Names
Chinese: ????? … Czech: Kvesal prilbový, kvesal p?ílbový … Danish: Toppet Quetzal … Dutch: Kuifquetzal … Estonian: säbarketsal … Finnish: Töyhtöketsaali … French: Quetzal antisien … German: Kammtrogon … Italian: Quetzal crestato … Japanese: kammurikazarikinubanedori, kanmurikazarikinubanedori … Norwegian: Krøllketsal, Krøllquetzal … Polish: kwezal czubaty … Russian: ???????? ?????? … Slovak: kvesal strapatý … Spanish: Quetzal Crestado, Quetzal de Cola Blanca … Swedish: Tofsquetzal
Vocalisations: The Soft Songs of the Forest
The Crested Quetzal does not sing loudly or in great detail, but it has a distinctive vocalisation that is essential to communication in its dense forest habitat. The most common call is a series of clear, melodious notes, often written as “way-waywayo” (or “wheee-eoo”). These calls are used to help mates find each other and maintain pair bonding during breeding season.
The Crested Quetzal emits short, sharp notes called “ka”, which are used to alert or signal. These vocal signals warn mates and conspecifics of potential threats such as predators, territorial intrusions or territorial invasions.
The bird is a recluse and lives in a dense forest, making it difficult to observe its calls. However, their calls blend with those of other hummingbirds and passerines, adding to the chorus.
Conservation
At this time, the Crested Quetzal has not been classified as threatened globally. The Crested Quetzal’s widespread distribution in multiple Andean nations and its presence within protected areas have contributed to the relatively stable status of its population. The species is still facing challenges that may threaten its long-term existence.
The greatest threat to Crested Quetzals is habitat loss and fragmentation. Andean cloud forests are being threatened by agricultural expansion, logging and mining, as well as infrastructure development. These activities decrease available habitat, degrade the forest quality, disrupt the ecological dynamics, and threaten species such as the Crested Quetzal.
Climate change is a new layer of complexity. Climate change can alter the distribution and availability of montane forest habitats. This could force Crested Quetzals into a new range or reduce their habitat.
Conclusion
The Crested Quetzal is a symbol of the beauty and complexity of the Andean mountain forests that it inhabits. Its brilliant, iridescent plumage, its specialised breeding behaviour, and its specialised habitat requirements are all a reflection of the complex evolutionary adaptations that have been shaped over millions of years in tropical mountains.
The story of this bird is one of resilience and delicate balance. It’s a reminder of South America’s rich natural heritage and of the urgent need to preserve it. The Crested Quetzal is a symbol of the importance of protecting ecosystems, which support countless species and ecological processes.
We can ensure that future generations will continue to be able to enjoy the beauty and mystique of this incredible bird, the living gem of the Andean forest, by raising awareness and encouraging conservation efforts.
Species Research by Sibylle Johnson
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