The Quetzal

The Bird of Guatemala

Aaron Lopez

February 6, 2025

Shutterstock

Quetzal, Pharomachrus mocinno, from tropic in Costa Rica with green forest, two birds fly fight. Magnificent sacred green and red bird, very long tail. Resplendent Quetzal in flight,wildlife nature.

The quetzal is the national bird of Guatemala. This bird is used as Guatemala’s symbol, on currency, and the flag.

The currency is called “Guatemalan Quetzal”

How did the quetzal becomes Guatemalas national bird?

The quetzal is a bird that originated in the rainforest of Central America, and is sacred to the ancient Mayans and Aztecs. The word “quetzal” comes from the Nahuatl word quetzalli, which means “large brilliant tail feather”. The resplendent quetzal became Guatemala’s national bird in 1871 because of its cultural importance and sacred status in Mayan and Aztec civilizations. Guatemala later on made the “Resplendent Quetzal” its national bird in 1871 because of its cultural significance to the country. The quetzal is a symbol of freedom, light, and wealth. It is also associated with the Mayan and Aztec civilizations. This is why the Guatemalans chose to make the quetzal the national bird.

Why is the quetzal on the flag of Guatemala?

The quetzal is on the flag of Guatemala because it is the national bird of the country, symbolizing freedom, and considered sacred by the Mayan people who historically viewed it as a symbol of goodness. Its feathers were even used as currency in the past, with the Guatemalan currency today also being called the “quetzal.” According to legend, Tecún Umán was killed as he fought the conquistador Pedro de Alvarado. As Tecún Umán was dying, a quetzal flew down and landed on his chest, dipping its feathers in the hero’s blood. This is supposedly how the bird acquired its red breast and belly feathers. Because of this event it was decided to become Guatemalas bird to symbolize the end of tyranny.

Works Cited

“Flag of Guatemala.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, inc., www.britannica.com/topic/flag-of-Guatemala. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.

Sinasac, Jenn. “National Bird of Guatemala: Resplendent Quetzal: Whitehawk Birding Blog.” Birding Tours with Whitehawk, 25 Sept. 2023, www.whitehawkbirding.com/national-bird-of-guatemala/.