Quetzal Pictures
In our Quetzal images gallery, you’ll find pictures of the Resplendent Quetzal of Costa Rica, a bird of paradise famed throughout Central America and the world. These quetzal photos show off their emerald-green feathers and the male quetzals’ signature long tails. Each of these Resplendent Quetzal pictures was taken during photography expeditions to Costa Rica, and all are available for purchase.

Composite Photo Of A Resplendent Quetzal Returning To Its NestThis picture collates three images of a male resplendent quetzal, as it folds its wings to land on a tree trunk. Inside the trunk, the male and his mate have dug out a brooding chamber to hatch and raise their eggs.
The quetzal has some food in its mouth, which might be some of the first solid food its chicks ever taste.
Stock Image #20190422-15362773
The quetzal has some food in its mouth, which might be some of the first solid food its chicks ever taste.
Stock Image #20190422-15362773

Costa Rica Resplendent Quetzal PictureAlong with their emerald-green color palette and the males’ long tail feathers, resplendent quetzals are known for their deep, lyrical calls.
They have a wide vocal range, useful in many situations. For example, this quetzal might let out a noise when he takes flight, a different one to warn other quetzals about danger, and yet another one to let his mate know it’s his turn to guard the nest.
Stock Image #20190422-15372491
They have a wide vocal range, useful in many situations. For example, this quetzal might let out a noise when he takes flight, a different one to warn other quetzals about danger, and yet another one to let his mate know it’s his turn to guard the nest.
Stock Image #20190422-15372491

Male Resplendent QuetzalA resplendent quetzal perches on a mossy branch. You can tell he’s a male from his long tail train, which truly deserves the name “resplendent.” These trains can reach up to three feet long by mating season, when the males will use them to prove their fitness to females.
Stock Image #20190411-10054940
Stock Image #20190411-10054940

Birdwatching Of Resplendent Quetzal Perched With A Grasshopper IBirdwatching photo of Resplendent Quetzal perched on a mossy, lichen covered branch with a grasshopper in its beak. This avian has been honored through the ages. Also referred to as the Guatemalan Quetzal, it is a symbol of that nation and even their currency, the quetzal, bears reverence to this bird.
Sacred as well to the Mayans and Aztecs, priests would use their feathers during religious ceremonies. The highlands of Costa Rica provide splendid birdwatching opportunities such as this to capture wildlife images at their rawest. Image taken during a Costa Rica photo tour.
Stock Image #20160419-064116
Sacred as well to the Mayans and Aztecs, priests would use their feathers during religious ceremonies. The highlands of Costa Rica provide splendid birdwatching opportunities such as this to capture wildlife images at their rawest. Image taken during a Costa Rica photo tour.
Stock Image #20160419-064116

Resplendent Quetzal Feeding ChickA male resplendent quetzal male pauses for a rest before making his way home to feed his young chick. Quetzals have an omnivorous diet, and love to eat fruit, insects, and anything else small enough for their beaks.
Quetzals introduce their chicks to solid food when the babies are about two weeks old. After leaving the nest, the young are sometimes seen visiting their parents.
Stock Image #20190422-09065862
Quetzals introduce their chicks to solid food when the babies are about two weeks old. After leaving the nest, the young are sometimes seen visiting their parents.
Stock Image #20190422-09065862

Resplendent Quetzal Male Leaving NestA resplendent quetzal male spreads its wings and flies away from the tree where it has made its nest. From this angle, you can see all of the bird’s colors, including its green back, black wings, red chest, and long blue-green tail train.
When it’s time to lay eggs, resplendent quetzals dig a hole in a rotted tree trunk with their beaks. After the female lays the eggs, both parents take turns incubating them.
Stock Image #20190422-14554263
When it’s time to lay eggs, resplendent quetzals dig a hole in a rotted tree trunk with their beaks. After the female lays the eggs, both parents take turns incubating them.
Stock Image #20190422-14554263

Resplendent Quetzal Male With Food For ChicksPhoto of a male resplendent quetzal, bringing food home to its mate and chicks. After bringing back enough snacks, the male will take his turn guarding the kids, while his mate goes off to forage.
The male is usually responsible for teaching the chicks to fly. He coaxes one of his chicks to the door of the nest, then models flight until the chick takes to the air. The second chick then learns by copying the first one.
Stock Image #20190422-15365288
The male is usually responsible for teaching the chicks to fly. He coaxes one of his chicks to the door of the nest, then models flight until the chick takes to the air. The second chick then learns by copying the first one.
Stock Image #20190422-15365288

Resplendent Quetzal With Green Tail FeathersA male resplendent quetzal surveys its home territory in Costa Rica.
These green and turquoise birds are famed throughout Central America, and even lend their name to Guatemala’s currency. Among the ancient Aztecs and Maya, priests and kings reserved the right to wear quetzal feathers.
Stock Image #20190411-10270035
These green and turquoise birds are famed throughout Central America, and even lend their name to Guatemala’s currency. Among the ancient Aztecs and Maya, priests and kings reserved the right to wear quetzal feathers.
Stock Image #20190411-10270035

Resplendent Quetzal Bird Image From Costa Rica Photo TourConsidered one of the most beautiful avians in the world, this bird image of the Resplendent Quetzal was captured during one of our Costa Rica photo tours. Seen here, El Quetzal's tail feathers are in full view as it sits on a lichen covered forest branch. The Mayans revered this bird as a symbol for light and peace.
The tail feathers were adorned by royalty for the Incans, Mayans, and Aztecs alike. Reaching between 28 inches to 3 feet long and bearing a brilliant iridescent coloring, its no wonder why their plumage was royalty approved. This noble bird image was photographed in the Talamanca mountain region.
Stock Image #20170413-054958
The tail feathers were adorned by royalty for the Incans, Mayans, and Aztecs alike. Reaching between 28 inches to 3 feet long and bearing a brilliant iridescent coloring, its no wonder why their plumage was royalty approved. This noble bird image was photographed in the Talamanca mountain region.
Stock Image #20170413-054958
Quetzals was last modified: May 27th, 2022 by