ID Keys: Dark greenish upperparts, bright red belly, small grayish
head, green chest (male), gray chest (female)
The
Eared Quetzal was recently named the Eared Trogon, but research has shown
they are much more closely related to Quetzals than Trogon species.
They are primarily found montane forests of western Mexico, but beginning in
1977, tiny numbers of the species have been found in canyon forests of
southern Arizona. Confirmed breeding has also occurred in select
locations of southern Arizona. While the species is similar in overall
structure as the Coppery-tailed Trogon,
another tropical specialty with a range that barely overlaps into the United
States, the Eared Quetzal is quite a bit larger, has a much smaller-looking
head, and has obvious plumage differences.
Habitat
In the main part of their range in Mexico, the Eared Quetzal is found in mid- to high-elevation forests, typically pine-oak forest or in conifer forests. Those that have been found in the United States have been in several forested, mountain canyons.
Diet
Insects make up a large part of the diet, especially large insects and caterpillars. They will also take small vertebrates when available. They also feed heavily on fruits and berries, especially in the winter when insects may be less abundant.
Behavior
Eared Quetzals appear to be rather sensitive to disturbance around nest sites, with evidence that human activity near nesting sites can contribute to nest failure. Otherwise, behavior is similar to other Quetzals and Trogons, with birds often acting relatively lethargic.
Nesting
In the U.S. part of their range, nests have typically occurred in old woodpecker cavities, usually in tall trees near flowing water in forested canyons. Eggs are incubated by both parents, and both parents help to raise the young.
Song
The Eared Quetzal gives a variety of clear, ringing whistles and far-carrying calls, often described as repeated, mournful whee-oo notes that raise in volume. During the breeding season, pairs may exchange vocalizations while moving through pine-oak forests, and the species is often detected by its distinctive calls before it is seen. Its voice is generally deeper and more resonant than that of many trogons.
Migration
The Eared Quetzal is generally a resident or short-distance altitudinal migrant. Most populations remain year-round in the pine-oak and mixed mountain forests of western Mexico, but some birds move seasonally between higher breeding elevations and lower foothill forests in response to weather and food availability. Unlike many North American songbirds, it does not undertake regular long-distance continental migrations.
In the U.S. part of its range, Coppery-tailed Trogon. The Eared Quetzal is larger and more colorful than the Coppery-tailed Trogon, with a distinctive shaggy crest and elongated ear-like head plumes. Coppery-tailed Trogons lack these ornamental plumes and show a more typical trogon shape with a coppery tail and a less dramatic head profile.
Conservation Status
The Eared Quetzal is generally considered a species of low conservation concern, although its range is relatively restricted to the pine-oak and mixed mountain forests of western Mexico. The species remains fairly common in suitable habitat, but local populations may be affected by logging, forest fragmentation, and habitat degradation. Continued protection of mature montane forests is important for maintaining healthy populations. The IUCN considers the Eared Quetzal to be a species of "least concern".
Image Information
Hand-colored lithograph - John Gould, 1861. Public Domain image, copyright expired in United States.
