Blue-throated Motmot

Overview

The blue-throated motmot (Aspatha gularis) is a monotypic bird species within the family Momotidae that apparently has no close relatives. Classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, its population is large and widespread despite an apparent downward trend.

Identification

• Length of 25.5 to 28.0 cm with a weight between 56.0 and 67.3 g.
• Predominantly green plumage above and paler green below, with an ochre head side featuring a distinct black "ear" spot.
• A blue throat marked with a black spot just beneath it, and a long, graduated tail that lacks racquet tips.
• Typical calls consist of single "hoot" or "huuk" notes emitted from high, exposed perches, occasionally strung together.

Habitat

Found from Oaxaca and Chiapas in Mexico extending south and east through Guatemala and Honduras, this species inhabits montane evergreen and pine forests of medium to high humidity. It occupies elevations from 1,300 to 3,000 m in Mexico, although in Honduras it is not found below 1,800 m.

Diet

Foraging by plucking insects, particularly beetles, from foliage while in flight, this bird also consumes fruit and apparently feeds it to its nestlings.

Did you know?

It is notable for excavating burrows in earth banks for nesting that can reach up to 1.8 m in length and often feature bends.