Bird Guide

Golden-headed Quetzal

Pharomachrus auriceps

Least ConcernFruitForestCavity nestMedium · 180 g

About the Golden-headed Quetzal

The golden-headed quetzal or corequenque is a strikingly coloured bird in the genus Pharomachrus. It is found in moist mid-elevation forests from eastern Panama to northern Bolivia.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

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The golden-headed quetzal weighs between 154-182g. It has a wingspan of 30–36 cm and a length of 33–36 cm with tail plumes adding another 8–10 cm. Like other members of the genus Pharomachrus, the golden-headed quetzal is known for its iridescent golden-green wings and breast, which can appear blue depending on the light. The female's breast is a duller brownish colour; her head is also a duller golden-brown when compared to the male's gold-bronze head, from which the species name is derived. Their bills are short and broad; they appear yellow in males and a brownish greyish in females. Voice: The golden-headed quetzal is a quiet bird, often sitting quietly motionless for long periods of time. When it does vocalize, its far-carrying call is very distinctive, sounding like mournful, hawk-like whistles, repeated 6-8 times ("whe-wheeu, whe-wheuu, whe-wheeu…"). Its other calls are a horse-like whinnying ("why-dy-dy-dy-dyyrrr", "hoo-whoooooy") and a throaty melancholy "ka-kaaaur".

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

What the Golden-headed Quetzal sounds like

Recording: Niels Krabbe · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via xeno-canto

Where the Golden-headed Quetzal lives

Regular rangeRare visitor

Recorded as a rare visitor in Panama.

When to see the Golden-headed Quetzal

Peak activity in October · a resident species across most of its range

Easily confused with

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