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 anyone 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 become king. Lend me your feathers. I'll return them after I become king,and I 'll share the wealth and fame with you."
At first,the road-runner said no. But the quetzal would not stop asking him. At last,the road-runner agreed.
One by one,the road-runner's feathers magically disappeared and then appeared on the clever quetzal's body. Soon,the quetzal's body and tail were a rich blue-green,his chest was bright red,and his beak had turned a lovely glowing yellow.
The great spirit was very surprised by the quetzal's new beauty and chose him to be king of all the birds. From that road-runner's feathers. He soon forgot all about his promise to the road-runner.
Days later,the other birds found the road-runner hiding deep in the forest. He had no feathers , and he was very cold. He told the birds about the quetzal's promise.
The birds felt sorry for the road-runner,and each gave up a few feathers to cover him. That is why,today,the road-runner's feathers are such an odd mix of drab and faded colors,and why he always watches the Mayan roads. He is still looking for the quetzal that took away his feathers.