The Resplendent Quetzal is recognized as one of the most beautiful birds in the world. Unfortunately, it is classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN, mainly due to habitat loss. An estimated population of between 20,000 and 50,000 individuals lives mostly in the high-altitude rainforests of Central America, making it definitely high on my wish list when visiting Costa Rica. Then, on a cold and rainy morning 2,700 meters above sea level in the central highlands, I had the good fortune to capture this spectacular male in front of my lens.