What’s a quetzal? And why choose that name for our company?

The resplendent quetzal is a magnificently plumed bird found in Central America, particularly in the heights of tropical rain forest of Guatemala and parts of southern Mexico. It has iridescent green plumage and a red breast. Male Pharomachrus mocinno, whose bodies are 14 to 16 inches long, have a helmet-like crest and grow a pair of tail feathers that can be 3 feet long, giving the impression of a “flying snake” as the bird soars overhead. 

The quetzal (pronounced KET-sell) is precious to those from Guatemala, where it is the national bird, appears on the flag, and lends its name to the country’s currency, the Guatemalan quetzal. The bird itself was considered divine, associated with the “snake god,” Quetzalcoatl, by Pre-Columbian Mesoamerican civilizations. Its luxuriant green tail feathers, symbols for spring plant growth, were venerated by the ancient Aztecs and Maya, who viewed the quetzal as the “god of the air” and as a symbol of goodness, light, freedom, and wealth.

We chose this significant Trogon species to represent our company as we endeavor to provide a green and resplendent landscape for our clients.