Pharomachrus antisianus (d'Orbigny, 1837)

Size

Description: Adult crested quetzals measure 33–34 cm (13–13+1⁄2 inches) in total length.

Male Appearance

For adult males, the head and upperparts are metallic green, and the breast and belly are red. Uniquely among quetzals, the male has a short crest above its short, orange bill, and its vent is white.

Female Appearance

Females have brown heads and upper breasts, and they lack a crest.

Geographic Range

Distribution and habitat: The crested quetzal occurs along the Andes mountain range, spanning from Bolivia through Ecuador, Peru, and Colombia to Venezuela.

Habitat & Elevation

It inhabits pristine old-growth forest and mature second-growth forest at altitudes between 1,200 and 3,000 m (4,000–10,000 ft).

Conservation Status

It is currently rated as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, because it occupies a large range and its overall population appears to be stable.