Quetzal Predator Information

The six species of quetzal are brilliantly colored birds native to the South American cloud and rain forests. Myths and legends have developed about quetzals. On a more practical level, they play a key ecological role --- particularly in distributing avocado stones. The birds also face several natural and man-made dangers.

  1. Dangers

    • Quetzals, especially the iconic resplendent quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno) and the eared quetzal (Euptilotis neoxenus), are vulnerable to habitat destruction. They also have plenty of natural predators, including mammals and other birds.

    From the Air

    • Rainforest birds are not adverse to eating each other, and some of the main predators of quetzals are other birds. Jays and toucans are particularly likely to take quetzal eggs or nestlings. Birds of prey such as eagles and owls are a threat to adult quetzals, which are not strong fliers.

    From the Ground

    • Opportunistic omnivores and carnivores target quetzal nests. Weasels, squirrels and tayras --- a kind of marten --- and kinkajous or honey bears are the main mammalian predators. A limited amount of hunting of quetzals by humans still occurs, although it is illegal.