Photo Source: El Mundo Hispano
The Maya have a legend about Quetzal Bird. They say he was once a shabby-looking creature, with no future prospects. However, Quetzal Bird was an ambitious and intelligent sort of fellow. One day, he seized upon a clever idea and tricked Roadrunner into handing over his brilliant feathers. At the opportune moment, Quetzal Bird displayed his newly acquired plumage and won the title of King of Birds. ( full version of the story at First People)
The Quetzal bird has long held a lofty position in the Maya world. He is said to represent the God of the Air. (Helium) The Maya considered it a crime to kill a Quetzal bird, especially since the feathers could be taken without killing him. These feathers were highly valuable and worth more than gold. (National Geographic News) The Maya elite wore the feathers to mark their wealth and status.
Today, the Quetzal bird is immortalized as the national bird of Guatemala. His image appears on the Guatemalan flag and his name represents the unit of Guatemalan currency. (Guatemalan Quetzal)
Image Source: Maps of the World
There is some evidence that the Maya built their architecture with an awareness of acoustics. Clapping you hands at the pyramid of Chichen Itza is said to resemble the calls of the Quetzal bird.
A photograph can not do justice to the luminescence of the Quetzal plumage. See the video at The Internet Bird Collection. The male Quetzal appears around the 30 second mark.
The Quetzal Bird is beautiful. Is it endangered and is it only found in Guatemala.
ReplyDeleteThat is amazing about Chichen Itza and the Quetzal Bird sounds. They sound just like each other. This is one of my favorite posts so far.
well I am not sure why my post is not visible above, so I will redo my post.
ReplyDeleteThe Quetzal Bird is gorgeous. Do you know if it is endangered? Also, is this species only found in Guatemala?
The idea that the Mayans created Chichen Itza with acoustics to resemble the call of the Quetzal Bird. I wish there was more evidence to prove that that is what they had intended. Also, I wonder if other pyramids make a similar sound.
Great post. This was one of my favorites so far.