Amazonian Motmot

Overview

The Amazonian motmot (Momotus momota) is a colourful near-passerine bird in the family Momotidae. It is widely distributed across South America, east of the Andes, and is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Bodies are shades of green with a long tail featuring extended racquet tips that are either green or black.
• Most individuals have a black eyemask, though the size and shape vary.
• The central crown is black and surrounded or partially bordered by a blue band.
• Vocalisations include a fast, hollow 'hoo-do', a bubbling 'whOOP-oo', and a gruff 'kak'.

Habitat

This species inhabits the interior and edges of humid lowland forest in the Amazon lowlands and low Andean foothills. Its range extends from eastern Venezuela to eastern Brazil and northeastern Argentina, at altitudes up to 1,200 m in Venezuela, 1,000 m in Ecuador, and 750 m in Peru.

Diet

The Amazonian motmot is omnivorous, feeding on insects, other arthropods, small mammals, reptiles, and fruit.

Did you know?

Like most Coraciiformes, this species nests in long tunnels excavated in earth banks, though very little is known about its breeding phenology.