What does the Resplendent Quetzal eat?

The Resplendent Quetzal's diet shapes where and when you'll find it. Understanding what it eats helps you predict where to look.

Diet overview

Frugivore (primarily wild avocados and other fruits), with some insects and small vertebrates.

How it forages

Primarily frugivorous, with a strong preference for wild avocados (Lauraceae family). They swallow fruits whole and regurgitate the large seeds, acting as important seed dispersers. They also consume insects (e.g., cicadas, beetles, larvae) and small vertebrates (e.g., frogs, lizards) to supplement their diet, especially during breeding season.

When it feeds

Diurnal, most active during the early morning and late afternoon.

Explore the Resplendent Quetzal