The rough mountainous climate is quite demanding for both plants and animals. The trees carry loads of moss, ferns, orchids and bromeliads, and in this environment many specialized species of birds and insects can be found. Typical of the cloud forest are various kinds of colibris that come for the nectar of the blossoms. During daytime they rush by to select their favourite blossoms, when it’s getting cold at night they fall into an energy saving relaxation status. One of the world’s most beautiful birds is the quetzal with its shiny metallic green body, but even with the striking red chest it is hard to find in the fog.

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The Central American mountains are connected with the mountainous chains of the Andes. Many of the migrating birds of the north follow these mountains when they fly to the south to overwinter. From here they can also get to forests at lower levels.