q-u-e-t-z-a-l
QUETZAL is a brilliantly colored tropical bird native to Central America, also the national bird and currency unit of Guatemala.
25
Points in Scrabble
Base tile values • No multipliers applied
A QUETZAL is a strikingly beautiful bird found in the cloud forests of Central America, renowned for its iridescent green plumage and the male's spectacular tail feathers that can reach up to three feet in length. The resplendent quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno) is considered one of the world's most beautiful birds. Beyond ornithology, the quetzal holds profound cultural significance. It serves as Guatemala's national bird and lends its name to the country's currency. In ancient Mesoamerican cultures, particularly among the Maya and Aztec, the quetzal was considered sacred, associated with the snake god Quetzalcoatl.Biological characteristics:
The word quetzal derives from Nahuatl (Aztec) quetzalli, meaning "large brilliant tail feather." The Nahuatl word breaks down into quetza (to stand) + -lli (nominal suffix), literally meaning "the standing one," referring to the bird's distinctive upright tail plumes. The word entered Spanish during the conquest of Mexico in the early 16th century and was adopted into English by the 1820s. The mythological figure Quetzalcoatl combines quetzal + coatl (serpent), meaning "feathered serpent." As a currency name, Guatemala adopted "quetzal" in 1925, replacing the peso, to honor both the national bird and indigenous heritage.
The most famous species
Historically valuable plumes
Religious/cultural reference
The currency unit
•Ancient Maya and Aztec rulers wore quetzal feathers, which were more valuable than gold
•Quetzals cannot survive in captivity - they die quickly, making them symbols of freedom
•The quetzal appears on the Guatemalan flag and coat of arms
•Male quetzals grow tail feathers up to 3 feet long during mating season
•In Scrabble, QUETZAL is one of the highest-scoring 7-letter words without blanks
"The photographer waited weeks in the cloud forest to capture the elusive quetzal."
"She exchanged her dollars for quetzales at the Guatemalan border."
Singular
quetzal
Plural
quetzals or quetzales
Adjective
quetzaline
Currency
quetzales (plural for currency)
Similar length and difficulty words
Total base points: 25 (Scrabble)
Vowels: 3 | Consonants: 4
QUETZAL is a premium Q word in Scrabble: - 25 base points make it highly valuable - One of the best Q-without-U words - Can be pluralized to QUETZALS for bingo potential - Look for spots to place Q on Triple Letter - Memorize for Q-stuck situations
The quetzal represents the intersection of nature, mythology, and national identity. Its inability to survive in captivity made it a powerful symbol of liberty for Guatemala and indigenous rights movements.
Remember A not E at the end
Don't drop the A
Starts with QU not K
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