Quetzal
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Quetzals | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Trogoniformes |
| Family: | Trogonidae |
| Genus: | Pharomachrus de la Llave. 1832 Euptilotis Gould, 1858 |
Quetzals are brightly colored birds in the Americas. The word "quetzal" was first used to mean the Resplendent Quetzal, a famous long-tailed quetzal that lives in Central America. The Resplendent Quetzal is the national symbol of Guatemala.
In Aztec times, the quetzal was worshiped as the god of the air. Its long tail feathers, which can grow up to 2 ft (60 cm) long, were highly prized for making into costume and head-dresses.[1]
References [change]
- ↑ Ganeri, Anita (2000). Jungle Animals Over 100 Questions and Answers to Things You Want to Know. Dubai, U.A.E. ISBN 0-75254-909-X.
