Radiant, tiny, and little-known except to biologists and bird-lovers, the diminutive quetzal has roosted in the tropical forests of the Central American highlands since the time of the Mayan empire. Though under the constant pressure experienced by most species which find themselves cohabiting with man, this plucky avian has been marveled at, and even revered by, peoples spanning across the isthmus of Latin America, from Peru to Ecuador to Venezuela. Despite the efforts of predators and poachers alike, the quetzal remains one of the region's most fascinating and colorful species of bird.
Nahuatl Namesake
The quetzal, of which there are six species, is named for the brilliance of its feathers, especially in the tail. In the Nahuatl language spoken by the ancient Aztecs, the word "quetzal" is a reference to this plumage; "quetz" means literally "to stand up," as the long feathers covering the bird's hind quarters can be seen to do. The resplendent quetzal, perhaps the most recognized of this still rather obscure breed, was the first species to be given this title; along with its sibling genera, its population skirts the edge of ecological jeopardy, due to a combination of human encroachment and low birth rates.
Immortalized by Ancients
Because of its beautiful plumage and unusual appearance, the quetzal was highly regarded by Pre-Columbian Mesoamericans. The Maya and Aztec both worshiped gods which adopted the bird's name :for the Maya, Kukulkan, and for the Aztec, Quetzalcoatl. In both cases, this was a feathered serpent god, responsible for lofty ideals and accomplishments such as learning, the introduction of corn, rebirth, and the creation of mankind.
Treetop Treasury
The quetzal is also revered, in a sense, during modern times, as the bird lent its name to the official currency of Guatemala. In 1925, President Jose Maria Orellana replaced the peso with the Guatemalan quetzal, which remains in use today in both coin and bill form. The bills do not feature a picture of their avian namesake, but rather display famous persons and events from Central American and Guatemalan history. The quetzal is further divided into 100 centavos, which are referred to by the slang term "lenes."
Finding Rare Treasure
Finding the quetzal in its natural habitat can be a tiring and frustrating experience. You might imagine that a bird with such glistening green feathers (and a bright red underbelly to boot) might have difficulty concealing itself, but the quetzal can fade into its jungle surroundings with surprising ease. Therefore, if you're planning an expedition to glimpse this rare and amazing bird, consider enlisting the aid of a guide by contacting a local bird-watching agency. The best areas to find the quetzal lie outside of the lowland jungles of the northern Yucatan, which are generally too hot for the bird's comfort, but a guide will be able to point out the best locations and times to snap a photo or catch a glimpse of these golden-green beauties in their wild habitat. Hearing the quetzal's call is somewhat easier, a feat which can be accomplished quite simply at a variety of popular Mayan archaeological sites, such as Chichn Itz and Tikal. Standing in an open plaza or atop a pyramid and clapping one's hands is likely to elicit the signature call of the quetzal in response, which must have been a familiar sound to all the ancient Mesoamericans who once called those stole relics their homes.
Nahuatl Namesake
The quetzal, of which there are six species, is named for the brilliance of its feathers, especially in the tail. In the Nahuatl language spoken by the ancient Aztecs, the word "quetzal" is a reference to this plumage; "quetz" means literally "to stand up," as the long feathers covering the bird's hind quarters can be seen to do. The resplendent quetzal, perhaps the most recognized of this still rather obscure breed, was the first species to be given this title; along with its sibling genera, its population skirts the edge of ecological jeopardy, due to a combination of human encroachment and low birth rates.
Immortalized by Ancients
Because of its beautiful plumage and unusual appearance, the quetzal was highly regarded by Pre-Columbian Mesoamericans. The Maya and Aztec both worshiped gods which adopted the bird's name :for the Maya, Kukulkan, and for the Aztec, Quetzalcoatl. In both cases, this was a feathered serpent god, responsible for lofty ideals and accomplishments such as learning, the introduction of corn, rebirth, and the creation of mankind.
Treetop Treasury
The quetzal is also revered, in a sense, during modern times, as the bird lent its name to the official currency of Guatemala. In 1925, President Jose Maria Orellana replaced the peso with the Guatemalan quetzal, which remains in use today in both coin and bill form. The bills do not feature a picture of their avian namesake, but rather display famous persons and events from Central American and Guatemalan history. The quetzal is further divided into 100 centavos, which are referred to by the slang term "lenes."
Finding Rare Treasure
Finding the quetzal in its natural habitat can be a tiring and frustrating experience. You might imagine that a bird with such glistening green feathers (and a bright red underbelly to boot) might have difficulty concealing itself, but the quetzal can fade into its jungle surroundings with surprising ease. Therefore, if you're planning an expedition to glimpse this rare and amazing bird, consider enlisting the aid of a guide by contacting a local bird-watching agency. The best areas to find the quetzal lie outside of the lowland jungles of the northern Yucatan, which are generally too hot for the bird's comfort, but a guide will be able to point out the best locations and times to snap a photo or catch a glimpse of these golden-green beauties in their wild habitat. Hearing the quetzal's call is somewhat easier, a feat which can be accomplished quite simply at a variety of popular Mayan archaeological sites, such as Chichn Itz and Tikal. Standing in an open plaza or atop a pyramid and clapping one's hands is likely to elicit the signature call of the quetzal in response, which must have been a familiar sound to all the ancient Mesoamericans who once called those stole relics their homes.
About the Author:
Linda Patterson is a birding enthusiast from the USA. The Mexican Yucatan Peninsula offers amazing birding opportunities. Check these birding tours Yucatan for more information on this great destination.
No comments:
Post a Comment