In San Rafael Pie de la Cuesta, San Marcos, the Quetzal refuge, a sanctuary dedicated to the conservation of this emblematic species is located. Refuge’s rangers describe Quetzal as a cautious, lonely and territorial bird, which has hindered human efforts to encourage reproduction. More than two decades ago, a group of researchers discovered that the quetzal inhabited a cloud forest in San Marcos. In response, the authorities of that moment, together with the National Consire of Protected Areas (CONAP), declared the area as a protected area.
Despite having a safe space, the Quetzales population did not increase significantly. Several methods were tested to stimulate their reproduction, but without success.
Among the various attempts, a group of workers decided to place pieces of dry trunks in the trees, simulating natural cavities where quetzales could nest. In addition, they covered the upper and lower part of the trunks with pieces of nylon to avoid water filtration.
The strategy worked; Several of these trunks were used as nests by quetzales. Since then, the method has been successfully replicated, allowing national and international tourists who visit the shelter to have a high probability of observing this bird.
Great threats
“The Quetzal has several enemies and faces various threats,” says Oswaldo Girón, Case of Conap in the Quetzal refuge. Some of these threats are natural, while others are caused by the human being. “Among the natural predators are the squirrels, which attack the eggs during the incubation; the tucaneta, which represents a danger when the chicks are in the nest; the owl, which hunts at night and the hawk, which is a threat to adult quetzales,” explains Girón.
On the other hand, human threats include illegal hunting and irresponsible tourism. Girón remembers an incident in which a tourist, impatient to see a quetzal, began throwing objects into a nest to force the exit of the bird. These bad practices jeopardize the safety and well -being of the species.
Beautiful and wise
Experts highlight that Quetzal is not only one of the most beautiful birds in the world, but also one of the smartest. Saúl Sandoval, cheese of the Quetzal shelter, has identified three types of songs according to the situation: Warning song: issued when it perceives danger in its environment. Courtship song: used during the copulation stage and the communication song that serves to interact with other quetzales while looking for food or water.
On the other hand, Sandoval emphasizes that Quetzal’s behavior can leave valuable lessons about parenting and family life. “They teach us many things, even how to be parents. They show us that children must be taught to be independent and to fend for themselves.” As he says, when the time comes that the pigeons leave the nest and do not, the parents stop feeding them. Instead, they show them the food to encourage them to come out in their search, thus promoting their independence.
In addition, Quetzal is a bird with a strong family commitment. Before starting their “honeymoon”, the couple builds the nest so that, when they return, they already have an adequate shelter where to put their eggs. “Machismo does not exist among them,” says Sandoval with admiration. He explains that, during incubation, parents turn equally to take care of the eggs and feed the pigeons. Generally, four -hour shifts alternate and both share the responsibility of seeking food, consolidating a balanced and cooperative family.
He dies for love
The testimonies of the caregivers of the shelter reveal a little known but fascinating characteristic of Quetzal: its emotional sensitivity. During the courtship stage, some males that are not chosen by the female come to show extreme behaviors. According to caregivers, some Quetzales reject the possibility of finding another couple and, in an act of despair, make high -altitude flights and then put in a minced without stopping until they crash, causing their death.
This behavior, although little documented, reinforces the idea that the quetzal is a bird of strong emotional ties and an extremely special nature. “I do not understand that the Quetzalito has to feel, but this complicates that they reproduce because they are very sensitive,” says Sandoval. However, emotional tragedy is not limited to its behavior during courtship. In other circumstances, quetzales also show a disturbing behavior towards their young. When an egg does not develop correctly, parents destroy it.
The same goes for the young that are born with disabilities or that do not develop properly; Parents choose to kill them. “It is as if they feel that they cannot survive without the protection of parents, and that is why they kill them, to avoid unnecessary sufferings,” Sandoval explained, visibly surprised by this complex dynamic. The Quetzal, in addition to being a national symbol, is a living testimony of biodiversity and the natural wealth of Guatemala. Thanks to conservation initiatives such as that of the Quetzal refuge, there is a hope for the survival of this species in danger.
The curious
Know some characteristics of the national bird:
Food: fruits, avocatillos, insects, mollusks, lizards and frogs. In America, Quetzal is a symbol of freedom, splendor and divinity. It has sexual dimorphism, which means that males are larger and more colorful than females. The color of the quetzal eggs is pale blue. This species is also protected in Mexico, and Costa Rica