Crested Quetzal
Pharomachrus antisianus
Silhouette: Jamie Whitehouse · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassAves (Birds)
- OrderTrogoniformes (Trogons and Quetzals)
- FamilyTrogonidae (Trogons)
- GenusPharomachrus (Typical Quetzals)
- SpeciesPharomachrus antisianus (Crested Quetzal)
About the Crested Quetzal
The crested quetzal (Pharomachrus antisianus) is a species of bird in the family Trogonidae native to South America, where it is found in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
French naturalist Alcide d'Orbigny described the crested quetzal in 1837 as Trogon antisianus. The species name is derived from Antis, a Latinised version of the Andes, ultimately from anti, an Incan word for copper. It is closely related to the resplendent quetzal (P. mocinno).
It is one of five species of the genus Pharomachrus known as quetzals. The term "quetzal" was originally used for just the resplendent quetzal, but is now applied to all members of the genera Pharomachrus and Euptilotis.
Adult birds are 33–34 cm (13–13+1⁄2 in) long. The head and upperparts of the adult male are metallic green, while its breast and belly are red. Alone among the quetzals, the male has a short crest above its short bill, which is orange. The vent is white. Females have brown heads and upper breast and no crest.
The crested quetzal is found along the Andes from Bolivia through Ecuador... Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of Crested Quetzal in Cordillera Azul National Park
LIVEiNaturalistClosest Relatives at Cordillera Azul National Park
Golden-headed Quetzal
Pharomachrus auriceps
Pavonine Quetzal
Pharomachrus pavoninus
Green-backed Trogon
Trogon viridis
Collared Trogon
Trogon collaris
Masked Trogon
Trogon personatus
Blue-crowned Trogon
Trogon curucui
Black-tailed Trogon
Trogon melanurus
Amazonian Trogon
Trogon ramonianus
Black-throated Trogon
Trogon rufus
Global Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manu National Park | 🇵🇪 Peru | |
| 2 | Amboró National Park | 🇧🇴 Bolivia | |
| 3 | Cordillera Azul National Park | 🇵🇪 Peru | |
| 4 | Farallones de Cali National Natural Park | 🇨🇴 Colombia | |
| 5 | Puracé National Natural Park | 🇨🇴 Colombia | |
| 6 | Los Nevados National Natural Park | 🇨🇴 Colombia | |
| 7 | Podocarpus National Park | 🇪🇨 Ecuador |
Quick answers
What are the chances of seeing a Crested Quetzal in Cordillera Azul National Park?
Under 5% of wildlife watchers report a Crested Quetzal sighting in Cordillera Azul National Park, based on 35 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see Crested Quetzal in Cordillera Azul National Park?
August has the highest sighting rate for Crested Quetzal in Cordillera Azul National Park in our monthly data.