How Big Can Quetzal Get?
Quetzals are medium-sized birds that typically grow to be 33 to 40 cm (about 13 to 16 inches) long, with some species having tail feathers that extend much farther, making them appear larger than they actually are. The size of a quetzal can vary depending on the species, with some species, like the Resplendent Quetzal, being larger than others, and their wingspan and body weight also playing a role in determining their overall size.
Quetzal Size and Characteristics
Understanding Quetzal Measurements
To understand how big a quetzal can get, it’s essential to consider their length, wingspan, and weight. While the average length of a quetzal is 33 to 40 cm, some species can grow longer or shorter, depending on various factors such as diet, habitat, and genetics.
Frequently Asked Questions About Quetzal Size
Quetzal Size and Flying Ability
- How fast can a quetzal fly? After factoring wingspan, body weight, and aerodynamics, computer modeling has led researchers to conclude that quetzals are capable of flight up to 130 km/h (80 mph) for 7 to 10 days at altitudes of 4,600 m (15,000 ft).
- Can a quetzal carry a human? Quite possibly, especially a smaller human, as they could likely grab and carry a short distance up to half their weight, and they probably weighed around 440 lbs to 550 lbs.
- Can a quetzal pick up a mammoth? A quetzal can pick up a mammoth, but it would drop it in no time, whereas if it picked up a saber, it would probably be able to carry it all across the map.
- Can a quetzal pick up a rex? On its back, 100%, not with its feet, but you might be able to carry a rex on its back with a platform saddle.
- Can a quetzal grab a spino? According to the wiki, no, it cannot, as rexes, spinoss, gigas, and anything that can wear a platform saddle, fly or swim exclusively are no go for quetzal carry.
- What is the average lifespan of a quetzal? Quetzals have an average lifespan of 3 to 10 years, and some subspecies have a lifespan of 3 to 5 years.
- How big is a quetzal egg? Quetzal eggs are light blue and subelliptical with a mean of 38.9 mm x 32.4 mm.
- How many eggs does a quetzal lay? Quetzals lay two sky-blue eggs per clutch and have two clutches per year.
- Are quetzals endangered? Yes, quetzals are endangered, with the biggest threat being habitat loss due to deforestation, forest fragmentation, and agricultural clearing.
- Why are quetzals endangered? Unfortunately, these striking birds are threatened in Guatemala and elsewhere throughout their range, primarily due to the disappearance of their tropical forest homes.
- Can quetzals live in captivity? The most spectacular species of quetzal, the Resplendent Quetzal, is also one of the hardest to come by in captivity, with limited success achieved in breeding.
- How often do quetzals lay eggs? Quetzals lay two sky-blue eggs per clutch and have two clutches per year.
- What is special about a quetzal? Quetzals are the only birds on earth with the word “resplendent” in their common name, and young males take up to three years to grow their long tail feathers to full length.
- Do quetzals still exist? Yes, quetzals still exist, with two subspecies recognized, ranging from southern Mexico through Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica south to western Panama.
- Why is the quetzal bird sacred? The quetzal was taken as a symbol of freedom since Mayan times because of a popular belief according to which it would let itself die of hunger rather than living in captivity.