There are more than 40 species of birds called quetzals in the tropical parts of the world. The one named mocinno trogon is probably the most beautiful of all. It lives in Mexico and Central America and is the national bird of Guatemala. Its picture is on a silver coin of that country. Here are some interesting facts about this beautiful bird.
Its short body is only about a foot long, but the long tail feathers form a train about three feet long. Head, chest, back and tail feathers are all a beautiful emerald green, and the under parts of its body are bright red. The only additional colors are the few white feathers in the tail, a soft-yellow, short, pointed beak, and maroon legs and toes. To see one perched on the limb of a tree is something to be remembered, but to see one flying or gliding under the trees is a really beautiful sight!
Its food includes insects, which they dart out to catch in the air, as well as spiders, berries and fruit, including a small wild avocado that it devours whole. When its normal food is hard to find, it may substitute small lizards, snails and frogs.
The male puts on quite a display when trying to win a female companion. He repeatedly flies straight up in the air as much as 150 feet, then swoops gracefully down to display his gorgeous colors.
Nests are usually high up in the trunk of a dead tree. Both birds peck out a hole with their sharp beaks and claws. They take turns incubating from two to four bright-blue eggs for two to three weeks, until the chicks hatch out. They are born without down or feathers and are totally helpless. So until they grow enough feathers to fly and can hunt for themselves, both parents feed them with pre-digested food held in their wide-open beaks. The babies greedily peck it out. Sad to say, these lovely birds are facing many problems. In addition to natural enemies, which include the weasel-like tayra, monkeys and snakes, hunters often shoot them for their feathers. But the worst hazard of all is the fact that loggers are now cutting down the forests in which they make their homes. However, a few national parks are being preserved for them and other wildlife, which should protect many of them.
He does care for the quetzals out in the tropical forests, but those people who love Him know much more of His love and care over them every moment of their lives. Are you aware of His care?
ML-08/02/1992