A trogon of the genus Pharomacrus, especially the resplendent quetzal P. mocinno, with very long tail feathers, found in Guatemala and Costa Rica
Any of several tropical arboreal, short-billed, fruit-eating birds (genus Pharomachrus) in the trogon family (Trogonidae), whose weak feet have, uniquely, the second toe directed backward. It was the sacred bird of the ancient Mayas and Aztecs. Today the quetzal, found in remote parts of cloud forests from southern Mexico to Bolivia, is the national emblem of Guatemala (whose monetary unit is the quetzal). The resplendent, or Guatemalan, quetzal is about 50 in. (125 cm) long. Long blue-green plumes cover the tail; the breast and head, with a rounded hairlike crest, are gold-green; the blue back has a curly gold-tinged mantle; and the belly is red. The quetzal is now listed as endangered
large trogon of Central America and South America having golden-green and scarlet plumage
large trogon of Central America and South America having golden-green and scarlet plumage the basic unit of money in Guatemala; equal to 100 centavos
{i} trogon, type of colorful bird from the genus Pharomachrus (native to Central and South America); unit of currency in Guatemala