Golden-headed Quetzal

The Golden-headed Quetzal is a striking, medium-sized quetzal of the Andean cloud forests, its plumage a rich blend of iridescent green over the back, wings, and chest, deepening to a distinctive golden-bronze sheen on the crown that gives the species its name. The breast and belly glow a vivid crimson-red, similar in tone to its more famous relative, the Resplendent Quetzal.

Unlike the Resplendent Quetzal, the male Golden-headed Quetzal has only a moderately long, squared-off tail without the greatly elongated, trailing streamers, making the two species readily distinguishable where their ranges might otherwise cause confusion, though in practice the two occupy largely separate mountain ranges.

Key field marks

• Iridescent green plumage with a golden-bronze sheen on the crown
• Crimson-red breast and belly
• Moderately long, squared tail without greatly elongated streamers
• Found in Andean cloud forest, generally at somewhat lower elevations than some relatives

Similar species

• Resplendent Quetzal shows the male's dramatically elongated tail streamers and is found in Central American cloud forest, not overlapping in range with the Golden-headed Quetzal.
• Crested Quetzal, found in similar Andean habitats, has a more pronounced forward-curling crest and a different bill color.

Habitat

Inhabits humid montane cloud forest, typically at elevations between about 1,000 and 2,500 meters.

Range

Found along the Andes from Venezuela and Colombia south through Ecuador, Peru, and into Bolivia.

Migration

Generally sedentary, though some local elevational movement may occur in response to fruit availability.

Behavior

Often perches quietly and inconspicuously in the mid-story or canopy despite its bright plumage, occasionally sallying out to pluck fruit or catch insects.

Voice

A soft, whistled call, along with more complex song phrases during the breeding season.

Feeding

Feeds mainly on fruit, supplemented with insects and small vertebrates.

Nesting

Nests in a cavity in a decaying tree trunk; both parents share incubation duties.