Eared Quetzal
Euptilotis neoxenus
A hidden gem of the mountain canyons, the Eared Quetzal dazzles with its emerald back and brilliant red breast. This secretive relative of the Resplendent Quetzal is a rare treasure for those exploring the high-altitude forests of the Sierra Madre.
Quick Identification
Size
33–36 cm (13–14 in) long; wingspan approx. 45–50 cm (18–20 in); weight 130–150 g (4.6–5.3 oz)
Colors
Males have iridescent emerald green upperparts, a carmine-red belly, and gray-green chest; females have a gray head and chest with a paler red belly.
Key Features
- Elongated wispy ear tufts (often flattened)
- Vibrant carmine-red lower belly
- Iridescent green back and upper tail
- Wide white tips on the outer tail feathers
When You’ll See Them
Geographic range
Where Does the Eared Quetzal Live?
Native to the rugged highlands of North America, the Eared Quetzal is primarily found along the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range in Mexico. Its territory spans from northern Sonora and Chihuahua down to Michoacán and Jalisco. While its core population is Mexican, it is a rare and highly sought-after visitor in the 'Sky Islands' of southeastern Arizona and occasionally southwestern New Mexico, where it has been known to nest in deep, shaded canyons.
Basemap © OpenStreetMap contributors
Behavior
Eared Quetzals are notoriously shy and retiring birds, often remaining motionless for long stretches of time on high branches. This behavior, combined with their green plumage, makes them remarkably difficult to spot despite their bright red bellies. They move with an undulating flight pattern and are most active in the early morning and late afternoon when they emerge to forage.
Unlike more social bird species, the Eared Quetzal is typically solitary or found in pairs. During the breeding season, they become more vocal, using a variety of whistles and sharp cackling calls to establish territory. They are known for their 'sallying' foraging technique, where they fly out from a perch to snatch an insect or pluck a fruit before returning to a branch to consume it.
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Camera Tips
To capture the Eared Quetzal on a trail camera, you must focus on 'hotspots' rather than random trails. The most effective strategy is to identify fruiting trees, particularly the Mexican Madrona (Arbutus xalapensis). Place your camera on a nearby tree or a tall tripod, angling it toward the fruit clusters. These birds often hover momentarily to pluck berries, so a wide field of view is better than a tight zoom to ensure you catch the action.
Height is the most critical factor for camera placement. Eared Quetzals are canopy dwellers and rarely, if ever, come to the ground. Aim to mount your camera at least 10 to 15 feet high, or position it on a steep canyon slope that allows the lens to look directly into the mid-canopy of trees growing from the canyon floor. Use a camera with a fast trigger speed (under 0.3 seconds) because their sallying maneuvers for insects and fruit are incredibly quick.
Because these birds inhabit deep, shaded canyons with high contrast between light and shadow, manual exposure settings can be helpful if your camera allows. Otherwise, prioritize cameras with high dynamic range (HDR) capabilities. In the American Southwest, the best time to set your cameras is during the late summer monsoon season (July through September) when the birds are most active and the fruit is ripening.
Similar Species
Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Eared Quetzal.
Frequently Asked Questions
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