Russet-crowned Motmot

Overview

The russet-crowned motmot (Momotus mexicanus) is a small bird species in the family Momotidae, native to north-western Mexico and central Guatemala. It is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, although its habitats face threats from climate change and human activity. As the most understudied species of motmot, it exhibits strong site fidelity due to the scarcity of suitable nesting areas.

Identification

• Measures 30.5 to 35.5 cm in length and weighs between 74 and 104 g.
• Features a rufous crown and nape, a green back and wings with blue-green primary feathers, and a pale green chest with a black spot.
• Has a long blue tail with a bare section near the tip that creates a dark racket-shaped appearance.
• Possesses a black, slightly serrated bill that curves downwards, along with a black eye-mask lined by blue and violet feathers.
• Produces low vocalisations such as 'krrp' or 'kru, krr-up' strung together, and can make a hollow 'ook' sound.

Habitat

Found along the western coast of Mexico and in an isolated population in central Guatemala, this species is a year-round resident of tropical and subtropical dry broadleaf forests and scrubland. It prefers old-growth forests with closed canopies but also inhabits secondary forests with significant canopy coverage, living in clearings up to 1800 m in altitude.

Diet

Feeds on large invertebrates such as grasshoppers, fruits, and small vertebrates including snakes and lizards. It employs a 'flycatching' strategy, perching on low branches to dart out and catch prey or bite fruit, then returning to the perch to eat. Live prey are hit against branches before being swallowed.

Did you know?

During territorial disputes, russet-crowned motmots hold a leaf in their beak to display combative behaviour before chasing or fighting intruders. These birds can live for at least 11 years, based on the recapture of an individual ten years after initial observation.