Momotus mexicanus
The Russet-crowned Motmot (Momotus mexicanus) is a captivating Neotropical bird, instantly recognizable by its distinctive long, racket-tipped tail and elegant plumage. Measuring 28-33 cm (11-13 inches) in length and weighing around 55-66 grams, it features a striking russet-cinnamon crown contrasting with a prominent black mask across its eye, bordered by a bright turquoise supercilium. Its back is a vibrant green, transitioning to lighter green or yellowish-buff underparts, with a small bla...
Found primarily in dry tropical and subtropical deciduous forests, semi-arid scrub, and thorn forest, often inhabiting canyons, arroyos, and dense riparian vegetation at elevations from sea level up to 2000 meters.
Feeds predominantly on large insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, and cicadas, but also consumes spiders, lizards, small snakes, frogs, and occasionally small fruits.
Russet-crowned Motmots are diurnal birds, typically observed perching quietly and motionlessly for extended periods, surveying their surroundings before a sudden sally. They are primarily sit-and-wait predators, snatching insects, spiders, and small vertebrates from foliage, the ground, or in mid...
The Russet-crowned Motmot is a resident species found throughout western and southwestern Mexico, extending into a small portion of southwestern Guatemala. Its breeding range covers a broad swath from southern Sonora and Sinaloa south through the Pacific slopes of Jalisco, Michoacán, Guerrero, Oa...
Least Concern
- The iconic 'rackets' on their tail feathers are not naturally occurring; the bird meticulously plucks the barbs from the central feather shaft to create this distinctive shape. - They are known for their unique 'tail-wagging' behavior, where they swing their long, racket-tipped tail side-to-sid...