Quetzals

The world these creatures are created for has a Mayan/Aztec jungle setting. I orientated on mythical creatures and gods while creating creatures for this fantasy world.

Kukulkan and Quetzalcoatl are deities in Mayan and Aztec culture that the designs are based on. They are depicted as winged and feathered snakes. Biologically that didn't make that much sense, so I warped their appearance to be the one of an archaeopteryx that the locals mistake as a feathered snake, because of their long bodies and tails. I called them quetzals, after the bird that inspired the original Quetzalcoatl from the Aztecs. The species is split into several subspecies that have adapted adequately to their environment.

The common quetzal lives near cities and is rather intelligent. It feeds on an omnivorous diet, occasionally rummaging through garbage.

The rooster quetzal is very aggressive and lives beneath the vulcan mountains. They are organized in flocks and attack mammals in groups. With its colorful feathers, it intimidates enemies and impresses females.

The female variant is more proficient in hunting than its male equivalent.

The Sun Quetzal is known for its shiny feathers reflecting in the sun. Being barely bigger than the palm of a hand, it feeds on nectar, fruits, and tiny insects.

The quetzal-of-paradise is very cautious and has specialized in eating eggs. It runs away immediately if approached and is seen quite rarely amidst the jungle.

Size chart

Side by side skeletal comparison. The sun quetzal's ability to fly is because of its birdlike skeleton. Lighter bones and a keel where the wing muscles meet to gather more strength.