One day the Great Spirit who guarded the Mayan world told the birds that they must choose a king.
Almost every bird thought it should be king. The only bird that stayed quiet was the quetzal. The quetzal wanted to be king, but his feathers were a dull brown and he looked quite plain. He didn't think anymore would choose him.
The quetzal went to the road-runner a very colorful bird and said, "Your feathers are beautiful, but you are too busy being the messenger of the roads to I'll share the wealth and fame with you.