Facts about Quetzal Coat Tail

1. 05

   Iridescent green coloration of quetzal coat tail feathers results from microscopic structural features in the feather barbs that refract light rather than from pigment.

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2. 04

   Nesting in tree cavities, quetzal coat tail males must back out of the nest to avoid bending or damaging their elongated tail feathers.

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3. 03

   Shedding and regrowing their elongated tail coverts annually, quetzal coat tail feathers are replaced each breeding season rather than retained permanently.

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4. 02

   Male quetzal coat tail feathers were sacred to the ancient Maya and Aztec, who used them in ceremonial headdresses reserved for royalty and priests.

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5. 01

   The resplendent quetzal's tail covert feathers can grow up to three feet long in males, making them among the longest decorative feathers of any bird.

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