Resplendent Quetzal: Mexico's sacred bird. Learn about these birds and the problems they’re facing on today’s BirdNote Daily: birdnote.org/listen/shows/resplendent-quetzal-mexicos-sacred-bird Photo © ryanacandee | BirdNote

The quetzal might be one of the most beautiful birds in the world. "The Hummingbird Effect" premieres Wednesday, April 12 at 8/7c on PBS. [VID: Compilation footage of quetzal flying] | Nature | PBS

The acoustic effect called "the Quetzal tail" comes from emitting an impulsive sound—short length but loud sound, an explosion, an applause or playing a percussion instrument—in front of the pyramid’s staircase. If we slap about 40 meters away on the perpendicular of the escalinata we hear a sharp sound, a strange squeak, a sound similar to the singing of the quetzal, the sacred bird of the Mayas. . . #Kukulkán #ChichenItzá Video Credit: @anilbrancaleoni | Jain 108 Academy

Watch and listen as **this Resplendent Quetzal singing** unfolds like a living melody above a misted cloud-forest limb. In this cinematic 4K short, the bird’s full-toned, mellow slurred notes and liquid whistles bloom slowly from pauses in the canopy — a rare perching performance captured with close attention to timing and tonal clarity. You’ll hear how subtle throat and head movements synchronize with luminous echoes while the bird preserves a rooted posture, emphasizing perching grace rather t