Jewel # 390 (February 14, 2020)

Quetzals

And they shall be Mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I

make up MY JEWELS.

Malachi 3:17

To my dear grandchildren

A Spectacular Beauty - Quetzals

“Of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to whom be glory forever".   Romans 11:36

There are over 40 species of birds called quetzals in the tropical parts of the world.  The one named mocinno trogon is probably the most beautiful of all.  It lives in Mexico and Central America and is the national bird of Guatemala.  Here are some interesting facts about this beautiful bird.

Its short body is only about a foot long, but the long tail feathers form a train about three feet long.  Head, chest, back and tail feathers are all beautiful emerald green, and the under parts of its body are bright red.  The only additional colours are the few white feathers in the tail, a soft-yellow, short, pointed beak, and maroon legs and toes.  Seeing one perched on the limb of a tree is quite a display, but seeing one flying or gliding under the trees is a really beautiful sight!

This bird’s food includes insects, which they dart out to catch in the air, and also spiders, berries and fruit, including a small wild avocado that it devours whole.  When its normal food is hard to find, it may substitute small lizards, snails and frogs.

The male puts on a spectacular show wen trying to interest a female.  He repeatedly flies straight up in the air as much as 150 feet, then swoops gracefully down to display his gorgeous colours.

Nests are usually high in the trunk of a dead tree.  Both birds peck out a hole with their sharp beaks and claws.  They take turns incubating from two to four bright-blue eggs for two to three weeks.  Chicks are born without down or feathers and are totally helpless.  Until they grow enough feathers to fly and can hunt for themselves, both parents feed them with pre-digested food held in their wide-open beaks.  The baby birds greedily peck it out.

Sadly, these lovely birds are facing many problems.  Besides natural enemies, which include the weasel-like tayra, moneys and snakes, hunter often kill them for their feathers.  But the worst hazard is the fact that loggers have cut down the forests where they live.  However, a few national parks have been established for them and other wildlife, and this should protect many of them.

These spectacular birds are certainly one of the wonders of God’s creation and remind us that “He hath done all things well” (Mark 7:37).  This includes a Bible promise to those who know the Lord Jesus as their Saviour: “It shall be well with them that fear God” (Ecclesiastes 8:12).

He does care for the quetzals out in the tropical forests, but those people who love Him know much more of His love and care over them every moment of their lives.  Are you aware of His care?

Love you all- Grandpa