1524, Guatemala TeMayan ruler, Tecún Umán, was ready to fight. Spanish soldiers were invading. Tese men had already conquered Mexico. Now they wanted to rule the Mayan people. Umán had no armor. On his head,


he wore a crown of feathers. Tey came from a beautiful bird called the resplendent quetzal. At first, the enemy was no match for Umán's anger. But an enemy pierced his heart with a spear. He fell to the ground. A quetzal landed on his chest to protect him. Its chest feathers became stained red with Umán’s blood. Centuries later, the country of


Guatemala named Tecún Umán a national hero for his bravery. Tey also named the quetzal as its national bird.


A Stunning Bird Te battle is a part of history. But the quetzal’s role is legend. Te Mayan story explains how the bird came to have red feathers on its chest. Te quetzal’s neck, back, and wings


have a green metal sheen. On its head, golden-green feathers form a spiky crest. Te males have two long tail feathers. Tey help the bird find a mating partner. Quetzals live throughout Central


America—from southern Mexico to Panama. Tey are mostly found in high cloud forests and on mountain ranges. Tere, it is misty and cool. Te birds lay their eggs in holes of


rotting trees. Both parents take turns keeping them warm. When the eggs hatch, the parents feed their chicks. Quetzals are cautious birds. When danger is near, a quetzal will turn its body. It will hide its red chest from predators.


This quetzal rests on a mossy branch.


4 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER


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