False quetzal (SciiFii)

The false quetzal (Euptilotis neopluma), also known as the North Amercan eared trogon, is a species of trogon that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the rainforests, wetlands, forests, and open woodlands across North America and northern Central America to help boost biodiversity. The body length of the false quetzal is 33–36 centimeters (13–14 inches). Both sexes have iridescent green backs, iridescent dark blue central tail feathers, and outer tail feathers that are predominantly white terminally with a band of black at the base (sometimes partially barred black and white in females). The bill is dull gray with a slightly darker band at the tip. The adult male has a blackish head, iridescent green breast, and geranium red belly and undertail coverts. The adult female has a gray head, breast, and upper belly and less extensive (though equally bright) red on the lower belly. Both sexes bear the wispy hair-like auricular plumes that give the species its name, though these are rarely apparent in the field. head and bill appear rather small and narrow in comparison to those of typical trogons. False quetzals feed on insects, small vertebrates, and fruit, including the those of both native and agricultured trees. Caterpillars, moths, katydids, cicadas, small lizards, and other prey are fed to the young. Like other trogons, false quetzals often pluck prey and fruit while hovering. It nests 3–13 meters (9.8–42 ft) high in an unlined shallow tree cavity, usually selecting an abandoned bird nests, including woodpecker hole. Nests have been observed in pine, fir, maple, mulberry, cherry blossom, and aspen trees. Limited excavation of the cavity is accomplished using the bill to dig into the rotten wood of the walls and opening. The conservation status of the false quetzal is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the false quetzal's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii