Quetzal

Quetzal, common name for any of several large Central and South American birds of the trogon family. The resplendent quetzal is particularly noted for the iridescent feathers and long tail coverts of the male. The male is about 35 cm (about 14 in) long, but its upper tail covert plumes reach 61 cm (24 in). Its head, back, and wings are an emerald green and its breast and belly are red. Quetzals were greatly admired by pre-Columbian cultures and are found in their art and mythology; the feathers were used for decoration. The resplendent quetzal is the national bird of Guatemala.

Scientific classification: Quetzals make up the genus Pharomachrus of the family Trogonidae, order Trogoniformes. The resplendent quetzal is classified as Pharomachrus mocinno.