2023 CE • Central & South America
"The Resplendent Quetzal is an unforgettable sight, with shimmering plumage of metallic blues, greens, and reds . . . Considered sacred by several Mesoamerican civilizations, the Resplendent Quetzal remains culturally significant to this day . . . Like the Keel-billed Toucan and the Oilbird, the Resplendent Quetzal is mainly fruit-eating (frugivorous). This bird favors fruits of the avocado family, which it swallows whole before regurgitating the pits. In this way, the quetzal acts as a "gardener," helping to disperse trees throughout forests." The Resplendent quetzal is considered near threatened by the IUCN with its biggest threats attributed to habitat loss as a result of deforestation, forest fragmentation, and agricultural clearing.
"Resplendent Quetzal," American Bird Conservancy.
Image: Cepha, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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