SCHOOL DISTRICT OF BOROUGH OF BRENTWOOD Author: Administration Created Date: 11/16/2017 3:36:16 PM
Quetzals are found from southern Mexico to Bolivia. The resplendent quetzal and the golden-headed quetzal are the only species found in Central America. The resplendent quetzal was the sacred bird of the ancient Mayas and Aztecs. Today the resplendent quetzal is the national emblem of Guatemala (whose monetary unit is the quetzal).
Archaeologists believe that only Mayan priests and nobility could wear quetzal plumes, as a symbol of authority. For birdwatching, the quetzal is most easily seen in Costa Rica. It is protected in these national parks and reserves: Braulio Carrillo, PoÃ¡s, ChirripÃ³, La Amistad, Monteverde and Los Angeles.