Bird of the Week – Resplendent Quetzal
The Resplendent Quetzal would be on anyone’s short list of the most beautiful birds in the world. It is also Guatemala’s national bird. Unhappily for photographers, it’s a skulky species that likes the very dark under-canopy in cloud forests.
Male Resplendent Quetzal
And, yes, that’s really the bird’s tail, extending down out of the bottom of the frame.
Technical stuff: 600mm lens, f5.7, 1/30, ISO400.
More bird photos at Frozen Feather Images.
Did you take this photo yourself, Wickersham? I was in Honduras with the Peace Corps, and have spent quite a bit of time in quetzal habitat there and in Guatemala. I’ve had never managed to see one of these suckers, though I have heard their calls. If you actually got to see one, let alone photograph one, you are lucky and I am envious!
Wow, Wickershams Conscience, that’s a great shot. Thanks!
That is one beautiful bird.
I wanna be resplendent… why can’t I be resplendent?? *kicks dirt*
All Mud Puppies are resplendent.
Ripley, I hereby declare you The Resplendent Ripley ;).