Quetzal Colinegro
Golden-headed Quetzal
Pharomachrus auriceps
Song
Golden-headed Quetzal
Appearance: The Golden-headed quetzal is a medium-sized bird with a vibrant golden head, neck, and chest. It has dark green plumage on its back and wings, with a red belly and underparts. The long tail feathers are iridescent green and can reach up to 30 inches in length, making them easily recognizable.
Habitat: The Golden-headed quetzal is primarily found in the humid montane forests of the Andes Mountains, typically at elevations between 1,500 to 3,000 meters. In Colombia, it can be seen in regions such as the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the Western and Central Andes, and parts of the Eastern Andes.
Behavior: These birds are known for their elusive behavior, often remaining hidden within the dense foliage of the cloud forest. They feed primarily on fruits, insects, and small vertebrates. The Golden-headed quetzal is known for its distinctive vocalizations, including melodious calls and whistles.
Breeding: Golden-headed quetzals are monogamous and typically breed during the rainy season. They construct their nests in tree cavities or in dense vegetation, where the female lays two to three eggs. Both parents take part in feeding and caring for the young until they are ready to fledge.
Conservation Status: The Golden-headed Quetzal (Pharomachrus auriceps) is classified as "Vulnerable" on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
MALE
FEMALE
Distribution
Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta: The Golden-headed quetzal can be found in the highlands of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, a coastal mountain range in northern Colombia. - This region provides an ideal habitat for the quetzal due to its cloud forests and diverse plant and animal species.
Western Andes: In the Western Andes of Colombia, the Golden-headed quetzal is present in the cloud forests and montane habitats. - Regions such as Valle del Cauca, Chocó, and Antioquia in the western part of the country are known to support populations of this species.
Central Andes: The Central Andes of Colombia, including departments like Caldas, Risaralda, Quindío, and Tolima, also host populations of the Golden-headed quetzal. - These regions offer suitable conditions in terms of elevation and forest cover for the bird to thrive.
Taxonomy
The Golden-headed Quetzal (Pharomachrus auriceps)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Trogoniformes
- Family: Trogonidae
- Genus: Pharomachrus
- Species: Pharomachrus auriceps
Vocalization
Calls: The Golden-headed Quetzal's typical call is described as a series of melodious whistles and warbles. The calls are often clear, flute-like, and can carry over long distances through the dense foliage of their forest habitats
Song: Male Golden-headed Quetzals are known to produce a complex, musical song during the breeding season. The song is a combination of various notes, trills, and whistles, creating a beautiful and distinctive sound that helps attract mates and establish territories.
Vocal Repertoire: Golden-headed Quetzals have a diverse vocal repertoire that includes various calls, songs, and vocalizations for different purposes. They use specific calls to communicate with their mate, offspring, and other individuals within their social group.
Communication: Vocalizations are essential for communication within the species, helping individuals locate each other in the dense forest environment. They also use vocalizations to alert each other about potential predators or intruders in their territory.
