These resplendent birds have brilliant green feathers with an iridescent shine, with long tail feathers and green and black wings and a bright, blood-red patch on their chests. They are revered for their wisdom and as a sign of goodness and light, symbolizing freedom and prosperity. Its feathers are often taken as tokens of good fortune or marks of nobility, though they are almost always set free after the taking of a feather so that they may share their divine blessings with others. It is believed that quetzals will die if kept in captivity. Warriors take the appearance of a quetzal as a sign of victory, and they can inspire courage even against insurmountable odds. They also have a special affinity for the fallen in battle, as their very touch is said to rescue them from death's door. Still, the quetzal's sorrow at the loss of life is why it never sings but only rarely gives a high whistle. When peace and freedom come to the lands they watch over, only then will the quetzal reveal its beautiful song.