I hope this is an appropriate spot for a post like this, and I reread the Community rules to make sure it wasn't a violation, but please let me know if I'm incorrect. We're avid birders and know that many expats are also interested in birding (Panama has more bird species than the US & Canada combined!) and wanted to share some tips for seeing the famed quetzal:
1. Go looking during quetzal nesting seasons, approximately Feb-April. That's the best window.
2. If you make the quetzal sound (it's easy to make by pursing your lips, watch a youtube video if you want to learn) the birds may be curious enough to see you, and then you can spot them.
3. Don't wear bright colors, especially white. Green or camo are good colors.
4. Go with a guide! This is a biggie. Not only are you much more likely to see the quetzals (sometimes they are literally in front of you, but they don't move! They're hard to see!) but a guide can show you all the other amazing species like trogons and euphonias.
5. Look for tiny green wild avocados. They are about the size of a marble. This is the quetzal's favorite food.
6. Be patient! Quetzals will sit for long periods without moving, and if you're in a rush, they'll fly away so you'll just see a flash of the tail. Sigh!!!!! Try to stand and study all the trees before you move or decide there aren't any quetzals. Some places are absolutely crawling with them.
If you love love love birds, you might want to see one of the calendars we produced with photos we took around Panama: https://www.lulu.com/shop/%C3%A1lvaro-miranda-and-annelise-miranda/panama-plumage-2026/paperback/product-65vrwrw.html?page=1&pageSize=4
1. Go looking during quetzal nesting seasons, approximately Feb-April. That's the best window.
2. If you make the quetzal sound (it's easy to make by pursing your lips, watch a youtube video if you want to learn) the birds may be curious enough to see you, and then you can spot them.
3. Don't wear bright colors, especially white. Green or camo are good colors.
4. Go with a guide! This is a biggie. Not only are you much more likely to see the quetzals (sometimes they are literally in front of you, but they don't move! They're hard to see!) but a guide can show you all the other amazing species like trogons and euphonias.
5. Look for tiny green wild avocados. They are about the size of a marble. This is the quetzal's favorite food.
6. Be patient! Quetzals will sit for long periods without moving, and if you're in a rush, they'll fly away so you'll just see a flash of the tail. Sigh!!!!! Try to stand and study all the trees before you move or decide there aren't any quetzals. Some places are absolutely crawling with them.
If you love love love birds, you might want to see one of the calendars we produced with photos we took around Panama: https://www.lulu.com/shop/%C3%A1lvaro-miranda-and-annelise-miranda/panama-plumage-2026/paperback/product-65vrwrw.html?page=1&pageSize=4
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