quetzal
/ketˈθal/masculine
The Spanish word for quetzal bird is quetzal.
The term refers to the quetzal bird.
Meaning: quetzal bird (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the variations quetzalito or quetzi can often be heard casually.
How do you pronounce it?
/ketˈθal/
Did you know?
- The word quetzal is also the name of the official currency of Guatemala, named after the bird.
- The legendary 'feathered serpent' of Aztec mythology is called Quetzalcóatl, combining quetzal with the word for 'snake'.
- Because the bird is a national symbol of liberty in Guatemala, it is illegal to keep a quetzal in a cage.
Examples in context
- Hoy tuve la suerte de observar un hermoso ejemplar del Quetzal en el bosqueToday, I was fortunate enough to observe a beautiful specimen of the Quetzal in the forest
- El ave Quetzal sigue siendo un símbolo importante en la cultura mayaThe Quetzal bird remains an important symbol in Maya culture
- ¿Has visto al quetzalito en aquel árbol? Parece tan tiernoHave you seen the little quetzal on that tree? It looks so adorable
- El Quetzal es el ave nacional de Guatemala y es apreciado por su colorido plumajeThe Quetzal is the national bird of Guatemala and is appreciated for its colorful plumage
- Encontré un quetzalito en el bosque hoy. ¡Fue una experiencia increíble!I found a little quetzal in the forest today. It was an incredible experience!
- El quetzal tiene plumas verdes.The quetzal has green feathers.
- Vi un quetzal en la selva.I saw a quetzal in the jungle.
- Ese quetzal es muy hermoso.That quetzal is very beautiful.
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are looking at a bird in a nature reserve.
- Mateo¿Ves aquel quetzal en la rama?Do you see that quetzal on the branch?
- SofíaSí, es un quetzal impresionante.Yes, it is an impressive quetzal.
- MateoNunca había visto un quetzal tan cerca.I had never seen a quetzal so close.
- SofíaEs un momento muy especial, Mateo.It is a very special moment, Mateo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “quetzal” translations and entries quetzal, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.