Pharomachrus auriceps
The Golden-headed Quetzal, *Pharomachrus auriceps*, is a stunning member of the Trogonidae family, closely related to other quetzals like the Resplendent and Crested. This medium-sized bird typically measures 33-36 cm (13-14 inches) in length and weighs between 150-180 grams. Males boast iridescent green plumage across their back, wings, and breast, transitioning to a brilliant red belly and a distinctive golden-bronze crown and coppery nape, crowned by a bright yellow bill. Their long, point...
Found primarily in humid subtropical and tropical montane forests, including cloud forests and forest edges. It inhabits elevations typically ranging from 1,200 to 3,000 meters (3,900-9,800 feet) above sea level.
Primarily frugivorous, with a strong preference for fruits from the laurel family (Lauraceae), including wild avocados. Supplement their diet with large insects such as caterpillars, beetles, cicadas, and occasionally small vertebrates like frogs or lizards, captured by sallying from a perch.
Golden-headed Quetzals are diurnal and typically observed alone or in pairs, rarely forming larger social groups. They exhibit a characteristic sally-glean foraging strategy, perching upright on a branch and launching swift, agile flights to snatch fruits, particularly avocados and laurels, or la...
The Golden-headed Quetzal has a disjunct distribution across the Andes of South America and the Darien region of Panama. Its primary range extends from extreme eastern Panama (Darien province) and the extreme northwestern Andes of Colombia, southward through the Andes of western Venezuela, Colomb...
Least Concern
- The male Golden-headed Quetzal's vibrant golden-bronze crown and coppery nape are unique among its quetzal relatives. - Despite their brilliant plumage, they are surprisingly difficult to spot in their dense cloud forest habitat, often blending perfectly with the dappled sunlight and green cano...