1524, Guatemala Tere was once a great Mayan ruler. He wore a beautiful crown of feathers on his head. Te feathers came from a bird called the resplendent quetzal.


In 1524, the Mayan ruler led his people in a battle against invaders. He fought hard. Yet he was wounded. He fell to the ground.


Legend says that a quetzal tried to shield the ruler. It landed on him, and its chest feathers became stained with blood. Tis story tells why the bird has red feathers on its chest. It also tells of the bird's bravery.


A Stunning Bird Today, people still admire this colorful bird. It has shining green feathers on its head, neck, and wings. Males have two long tail feathers.


Tese birds live in misty cloud forests. Teir feathers blend in. It used to be safe there. Teir habitat has changed, though. Now quetzals face many threats.


4 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER


This quetzal rests on a mossy branch.


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