About the Eared Quetzal
The eared quetzal, also known as the eared trogon, is a species of bird in the trogon family, Trogonidae. It is native to streamside pine-oak forests and canyons in the Sierra Madre Occidental of Mexico from northern Sonora and Chihuahua south to western Michoacán. The species has occurred on rare occasions in southeastern Arizona, where it has been recorded nesting.
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ID tip
Its body length is 33–36 cm (13–14 in). Both sexes have iridescent green backs, iridescent dark blue central tail feathers, and outer tail feathers that are predominantly white terminally with a band of black at the base (sometimes partially barred black and white in females). The bill is dull gray with a slightly darker band at the tip. The adult male has a blackish head, iridescent green breast, and geranium red belly and undertail coverts. The adult female has a gray head, breast, and upper belly and less extensive (though equally bright) red on the lower belly.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where the Eared Quetzal lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in United States.
When to see the Eared Quetzal
Peak activity in October · a variable species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Whitehead's TrogonHarpactes whiteheadiLike most trogons, Whitehead's trogon is sexually dimorphic; the male is considerably more colorful than the female.
Ward's TrogonHarpactes wardiWard's trogon measures 35 to 38 cm (14–15 in) in length and weighs 115–120 g (4.1–4.2 oz).
Hispaniolan TrogonPriotelus roseigasterTrogons are brightly coloured birds with long, strongly graduated tails, small feet, and short, thick bills.
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