Jewel Bird by Robin A. Zimmerman

Author:Robin A. Zimmerman
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Highlights for Children, Inc.
Published: 2017-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

Many Maya believed the quetzal held magical powers. One legend tells of a Maya chief and his soldiers fighting for freedom. Above the battlefield, hundreds of graceful quetzals swooped down and guarded the wounded soldiers until sunrise. When the battle ended, the birds flew away—their chests stained red forever.

The quetzal’s habitat is shrinking. The destruction of highland forests for timber; the cultivation of land, especially for coffee plantations; and the illegal trapping of the birds for feathers have reduced their numbers. The quetzals are now considered “near threatened,” but countries are taking steps to save the magnificent bird. In Costa Rica, strict laws, national parks, and wildlife preserves have been established to protect the quetzal.

Although there are fewer quetzals, these jewel birds still glide through the lofty cloud forests singing their smooth, melodic song: “Keow-kowee-keow- k’loo-keow-keloo.” And their feathers are more precious than gold.

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