Quetzal Crestado
Crested Quetzal
Pharomachrus antisianus
Song
Crested Quetzal
Appearance: The Crested Quetzal is a medium-sized bird known for its vibrant plumage. It has iridescent green feathers on its upperparts and a red breast, with a distinct long white crest on its head. Both male and female quetzals share similar coloration, though the male typically has longer tail feathers.
Habitat: These birds predominantly inhabit montane cloud forests, generally found at elevations between 1,500 and 3,000 meters. They prefer dense, mossy forests with tall trees, which provide suitable nesting sites and ample food sources, such as fruit, insects, and small vertebrates.
Behavior: Crested Quetzals are primarily fruit-eating birds; they consume a variety of fruits in their diet, helping to disperse seeds in the forest. They can be elusive and shy, often perching high in the canopy and flying gracefully between trees.During the breeding season, they become more vocal and territorial, displaying courtship behaviors such as vocalization and ritualized flights.
Breeding: Crested Quetzals are monogamous and form strong pair bonds during the breeding season. The female typically chooses a suitable tree cavity or old woodpecker nest to lay 2-3 eggs. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs and feeding the young.
Conservation Status: The crested quetzal (Pharomachrus antisianus) is classified as "Near Threatened" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
MALE
FEMALE
Distribution
Western Andes: This region includes departments such as Antioquia, Caldas, Risaralda, Quindío, and Valle del Cauca. The western slope of the Andes provides suitable habitat for the Crested Quetzal, with its montane cloud forests at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 meters above sea level.
Central Andes: The Crested Quetzal is also present in the central part of the Colombian Andes, primarily in regions like Tolima, Caldas, and Huila. These areas offer the bird suitable forested habitats with the necessary resources for foraging and nesting.
Eastern Andes: In the eastern part of the Colombian Andes, including regions like Boyacá, Cundinamarca, and Norte de Santander, the Crested Quetzal can be found in montane cloud forests at higher elevations. These areas provide critical habitat for the species to thrive.
Taxonomy
The Crested Quetzal (Pharomachrus antisianus)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Trogoniformes
- Family: Trogonidae
- Genus: Pharomachrus
- Species: Pharomachrus antisianus
Vocalization
Calls: The Crested Quetzal produces a variety of calls, including both soft and loud vocalizations. Its calls are often described as melodious and flute-like, with a range of pitches and tones.
Advertising Calls: Male Crested Quetzals use distinctive advertising calls to establish territories and attract mates. These calls are often loud and repetitive, serving as a signal of their presence in the forest.
Courtship Calls: During the breeding season, Crested Quetzals engage in courtship displays that involve vocalizations. These calls can be more elaborate and rhythmic, signaling interest and bonding between mates.
Alarm Calls: Like many bird species, Crested Quetzals have specific alarm calls to alert others of potential threats or predators in the vicinity. These alarm calls are usually sharp and intense, helping to mobilize defensive responses within the group.
Social Calls: Crested Quetzals also use a range of social calls to communicate within their group or family, signaling aspects like feeding opportunities, locations of fruiting trees, and general social interactions.
