Feeding Habitats

Quetzals belong to the Trogonidae family. Feeding habitats of all members of this family are very similar. They eat mainly berries, wild figs and avocados, from the wild avocado tree, but they also feed from insects and few lizards. The Quetzal plucks fruit off the avocado tree while flying, and then perches for a while before swallowing the entire fruit. Later, it regurgitates the seeds, and that’s why they are the only disperses of seeds for these trees, in a symbiotic relationship. Since in San Gerardo de Dota there is a high presence of these trees, available year round, it offers the bird the opportunity to remain here without needing to move from the Valley.

Resplendent Quetzal - Trogon Lodge - Costa Rica

Resplendent Quetzal - Trogon Lodge - Costa Rica

Resplendent Quetzal - Trogon Lodge - Costa Rica

Breeding

The breeding season is usually from late March to April. The male chooses its partner and courtships her flying high, in circles and then descends vigorously and perches in the treetops. The female usually lays two pale blue eggs, with a size of about 35 x 30 mm. Both parents incubate the egg for 17 or 18 days and young birds stay with the parents for about a month, time after which they complete the plumage and are ready to fly.