Golden-headed Quetzal

*Top 50 Target Species

The Golden-headed Quetzal is a dazzling, fruit-eating trogon found in Ecuador’s humid montane forests, typically between 1,500 and 2,500 meters on both Andean slopes. Globally listed as Least Concern, it remains fairly common in intact cloud forest reserves such as Mindo, Tapichalaca, and Podocarpus, though vulnerable to deforestation and habitat fragmentation. Known for its iridescent green plumage and golden crown, this quiet, solitary bird nests in tree cavities and forms monogamous pairs during the breeding season. Despite its vivid appearance, it is often overlooked as it sits motionless in the canopy, blending into the filtered light of the forest.