The quetzal is on the list of “near threatened” species as much of its habitat has been destroyed, however its population is now stable in the Monteverde Cloud Forest due to conservation steps. It is the national bird of Guatemala (the Costa Rican national bird is a much plainer thrush). A headpiece believed to have been worn by Moctezuma II, the Aztec emperor who met with Cortes in 1519, is made of quetzal feathers and in a museum in Vienna.
The bird is approximately 40cm in size, with the male having long tail feathers. In Monteverde they mainly feed on wild avocados. Although difficult to find due to their small numbers, at this time of year they build their nests (in tree trunks) so don’t fly away as quickly as many birds once spotted. For birders they are considered one of the area’s Holy Grails; once found they are hard to forget.
We booked two guided hikes on our first day in Monteverde. The first a specialist bird hike, with a 6am start. While we saw many species, the quetzal was elusive. We then saw a pair 15 minutes into the afternoon hike, with the same guide, not far from the trail.
Shilli-Fully Travels 