Momotus momota
The Amazonian Motmot (Momotus momota) is a striking and widely distributed member of the Momotidae family, known for its vibrant plumage and distinctive racket-tipped tail. Measuring 40-50 cm (16-20 inches) in length, including its elongated tail, and weighing 60-170g, this medium-sized bird features a predominantly green body, a rufous lower back and belly, and a bright blue crown. Its most recognizable field marks include a black mask bordered with blue, a black spot on the breast, and the ...
Found primarily in moist tropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, clearings, and secondary growth from lowlands up to approximately 1,800 meters (5,900 feet) in elevation.
Their diet is diverse, consisting mainly of large insects (beetles, dragonflies, cicadas), spiders, scorpions, and small vertebrates such as lizards, frogs, and snakes, supplemented by a significant portion of fruits.
The Amazonian Motmot is a diurnal bird, typically observed alone or in pairs, often perching motionless for extended periods. Their foraging strategy is predominantly 'perch-and-wait,' where they sally forth from a branch to snatch insects, spiders, and small vertebrates from foliage or the groun...
The Amazonian Motmot boasts an exceptionally broad geographic distribution, stretching from southern Mexico (specifically southern Veracruz and Oaxaca) through Central America and across a vast expanse of South America. Its range encompasses Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and...
Least Concern
- The Amazonian Motmot is one of the few bird species known to actively 'groom' its own tail into the iconic 'racket' shape by meticulously plucking barbs from the central portion of two long tail feathers. - Its wide distribution across Central and South America makes it the most widespread spec...