Resplendent Quetzal
Considered sacred by several Mesoamerican civilizations, the Resplendent Quetzal remains culturally significant to this day. This bird most likely inspired Quetzalcoatl, the “plumed serpent” god of Mesoamerica. Legend has it that Quetzalcoatl helped create Earth. In several Mesoamerican languages, the term for quetzal can also mean "precious" or "sacred." Quetzal is near 'Threatened' status due to loss of habitat.