Pharomachrus auriceps auriceps

(Gould, 1842)

Vernacular names
English : Golden-headed quetzal
French : Quetzal doré

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Trogoniformes
Family : Trogonidae
Notes : 1 other subspecies known.

Identification
Adults grow to 36 cm in length. Iridescent green wing covers and back, black undertail. Male has bright yellow bill, shiny golden-green head, iridescent green breast and bright red belly. Female is duller with dark breast and head, and black bill. Subspecies with less intense golden sheen and shorter tail.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in South America, in the Andes, from western Venezuela and Colombia to eastern Peru and central Bolivia. Lives in humid and cloud forests in foothills and mountains, up to 3000 meters.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species doesn’t seem to be threatened and is actually fairly common in much of its range. It occurs in several protected areas.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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