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White-tipped Quetzal

A species of Typical quetzals
Scientific name : Pharomachrus fulgidus Genus : Typical quetzals

White-tipped Quetzal, A species of Typical quetzals
Botanical name: Pharomachrus fulgidus
Genus: Typical quetzals
White-tipped Quetzal (Pharomachrus fulgidus) Photo By Michael Woodruff

Description

The white-tipped quetzal (Pharomachrus fulgidus) is a species of bird in the family Trogonidae found in Venezuela, Colombia, and Guyana. Two subspecies have been described. Pharomachrus fulgidus fulgidus is found in the mountains of northern Venezuela and Pharomachrus fulgidus festatus ranges through the Santa Marta mountains of northeast Colombia. Quetzals are iridescent and colourful birds found in forests, woodlands and humid highlands. The white-tipped quetzal has been a limited subject of research. Pharomachrus nests have been studied to analyse the effects of rainfall on breeding, however conclusions are based on single observations. On the IUCN Red list of threatened species, the white-tipped quetzal is listed as a species of Least concern.
Size
33 cm
Nest Placement
Tree
Feeding Habits
White-tipped Quetzal primarily consumes fruits and berries, obtained through sallying from perches. It occasionally preys on larger animals, such as lizards. Adaptations include a broad bill and weak legs, indicative of an arboreal fruit-based diet.
Habitat
The white-tipped Quetzal inhabits subtropical to temperate humid forests, including cloud forests and moist ravines often amidst coffee plantations. Preferably at altitudes of 900–2500 meters, these birds thrive in conditions that blend temperate and humid environments. Their habitat spans the highlands of northern South America, often adapting to altered landscapes for food and nesting.
Dite type
Frugivorous

General Info

Feeding Habits

Bird food type
Fruit

Behavior

The specific behavioural habits of the white-tipped quetzal have not been studied in detail. However, it is presumed that they partake in the general behavioural patterns of the Trogon family. The white-tipped quetzal is a fast flyer, but reluctant to fly long distances. Trogons are generally non-migratory. Some species undertake partial local movements, however it is presumed that the white-tipped quetzal is a sedentary species. Trogons are usually inactive outside of intermittent feeding flights. They find food by the most commonly used technique for Trogons, which is a sally-glean flight where a trogon flies from a perch to its target on a branch or within foliage. Once it has arrived at its target the bird hovers and then grabs the item before returning to its original perch to consume the seed or berry. It has been noted that although the White-tipped quetzal is striking and beautiful, it has few to no further engaging qualities. This lack of activity is presumably a defence against predation, likely to compensate for their famous bright feathers. Trogons have been observed moving from branch to branch, keeping their brightly coloured feathers sheltered from potential observers while also keeping watch using their flexible necks, which can turn through 180 degrees. These anti-predatory techniques provide an effective camouflage within their natural wooded habitats.

Distribution Area

The white-tipped quetzal is endemic to the Americas. The species occurs at altitudes of 900–1900 m in Venezuela, in the coastal cordillera from Yaracuy to Miranda, to the middle cordillera on Cerro Golfo Triste and spreading to the eastern cordillera in Anzoátegui, the northern Monagas, and Sucre east to Cerro Humo. The species is also found at altitudes of 1500–2500 m, distributed through Colombia's Santa Marta mountains in the Sierra Nevada. However, a white-tipped quetzal was reported at an elevation of 725–775 m in a cafetel in Cucuchica, Venezuela, which suggests that the species has a greater range of distribution than has been observed. The white-tipped quetzal is also native to Guyana, however its status there is unclear and the distribution of its population there has not been documented. This is likely due to the species inhabiting the most dense and savage areas and barrancas of the tropical forests. Though it has the smallest distribution of any quetzal, it is fairly common within the ranges where it is found. Due to the lack of studies on the white-tipped quetzal, specific population numbers have not been predicted.

Species Status

Although the white-tipped quetzal may have a restricted range, it is not predicted to approach the boundary for Vulnerable under the range size criteria, the population trend criteria or the population size criteria. This is because the species population is not declining or fluctuating, their habitat quality is stable and their population structure is firm and not subject to fragmentation. For these reasons the white-tipped quetzal is listed as a species of Least Concern on the IUCN Red list of threatened species. This means that no conservation strategies for the white-tipped quetzal or its habitats are planned or taking place. However it is noted that more research must be done on the species and its population statistics.
White-tipped Quetzal (Pharomachrus fulgidus) White-tipped Quetzal (Pharomachrus fulgidus) Photo By Michael Woodruff

Scientific Classification

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