Eared Quetzal, Euptilotis neoxenus

Eared Quetzal, Euptilotis neoxenus. Photograph taken within the Chiricahua Mountains, Portal, Arizona, September 2020. Photograph and identification courtesy of Bob Behrstock, Sierra Vista, Arizona (naturewideimages.com).

Background and Identification

The Eared Quetzal, Euptilotis neoxenus, is a member of the Trogonidae Family of Trogons. This species was previously known as the Eared Trogon. Until recently, this species was considered an Endemic to Mexico, but now is a rare visitor and breeder in southeastern Arizona in the United States. The Eared Quetzal gets its name from elongated postocular plumes that loosely resemble ears. Postocular means behind the eyes. In Mexico, this species is called Quetzal Mexicano or “Trogon de Orejas”.

The Eared Quetzal is a large and mostly green bird with a short and squared tail. This species is sexually dimorphic, males and females have different plumage coloring. Males are recognized by their metallic green upperparts, bright red belly, and long tail, with a distinctive dark green throat and chest. Females are similar in appearance but generally duller with more muted colors. Both sexes have a yellowish bill and eyes that stand out against their colorful plumage.

Habitat and Geographical Range

The Eared Quetzal is a bird of the pines. Individuals prefer undisturbed forests and are very unlikely to settle in areas where human activity is present. Densely wooded areas are the most common choice of habitat, at elevations between 1,500 m (5,000 feet) and 3,000 m (10,000 feet), often near water sources such as streams.

Geographically, the Eared Quetzal is native to the pine-oak forests and highland woodlands of northern Mexico, particularly in the Sierra Madre Occidental. Its range extends into parts of the southwestern United States, including southern Arizona and New Mexico, but sightings in the United States are rare.

Common Misidentifications

The Eared Quetzal can be mistaken for other trogons, especially the Resplendent Quetzal, Rharomachrus mocinno, which also has brilliant green plumage and a red belly. However, the Resplendent Quetzal has a more vivid, iridescent color and lacks the “ear” tufts that are distinctive of the Eared Quetzal. Other Central American trogons, such as the Elegant Trogon, Trogon elegans, may also share similarities in shape and color, but the Eared Quetzal’s more specific geographic range and unique features help distinguish it.

Conservation Status

From a conservation perspective the Eared Quetzal is currently considered to be Near Threatened due to habitat loss and fragmentation from deforestation and other logging activities within its range. The bird’s reliance on mature forest ecosystems in Mexico makes it vulnerable to environmental changes. Conservation efforts focus on protecting the highland forests that serve as their primary habitat, with particular attention to preserving water resources and minimizing human disturbance.