A Resplendent Quetzal on an Aguacatillo Tree

A Resplendent Quetzal on an Aguacatillo Tree (Spanish for "little avocado). This magnificent avian species, has throughout time been widely revered in Mesoamerican mythology as a spirit guide, or nahual, for liberty, goodness and light. Ancient civilizations believed the Quetzal would not survive in captivity, it would rather die than be held prisoner, which is referenced in the Guatemalan national anthem through the lyrics, “antes muerto que esclavo sera (rather death than slavery)”. The spirits of our ancestors live on through life in nature; they soar the skies and echo songs through the forests. (FYI the Resplendent Quetzal has a Near-Threatened conservation status).