Eared Quetzal

Overview

The eared quetzal (Euptilotis neoxenus), also known as the eared trogon, is a species of bird in the trogon family. It is native to streamside pine-oak forests and canyons in the Sierra Madre Occidental of Mexico, with rare occurrences in southeastern Arizona.

Identification

• Body length ranges from 33 to 36 cm, with a small, narrow head and bill relative to typical trogons.
• Both sexes feature iridescent green backs, iridescent dark blue central tail feathers, and outer tail feathers that are predominantly white with a black band at the base.
• Males display a blackish head, iridescent green breast, and geranium red belly, while females have gray heads, breasts, and upper bellies with less extensive red on the lower belly.
• The male's tremolo call consists of a series of whistled notes increasing in volume, accompanied by low-intensity squeals and a strident cackle in flight.

Habitat

This species resides in the middle to upper levels of pine-oak woodlands and oak-conifer forests, frequently along streams. Its range extends from northern Sonora and Chihuahua south to western Michoacán in Mexico, with rare nesting records in southeastern Arizona.

Diet

Eared quetzals feed on insects, small vertebrates, and fruit, including the warty red fruit of madrone trees. Like other trogons, they often pluck prey and fruit while hovering.

Did you know?

This species exhibits aversion to large areas of conspicuous color on and near human observers, including white, red, orange, and blue, challenging the hypothesis that birds are repelled by colors not found in their own species.