Whooping Motmot

Overview

The whooping motmot (Momotus subrufescens) is a colourful near-passerine bird belonging to the family Momotidae. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. The species was split from a larger group of motmots in 2009 and consists of four recognised subspecies.

Identification

• Olive-green back and wings contrasting with dull brown underparts.
• Long green to blue tail with extended feathers ending in racquet tips that are blue with black tips.
• Black crown surrounded by a blue band and a black eyemask bordered with turquoise.
• Song described as a distinct "whoooop" followed by a shorter "whoop".
• Weight ranges from 75 to 124 g.

Habitat

Found in Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, and Venezuela, the species exists in two disjunct populations. It inhabits a variety of forest types, including lowland evergreen and deciduous primary forests, forest edges, and secondary forest.

Diet

Details of the whooping motmot's diet are limited, but it likely feeds mostly on large arthropods. It is also reported to consume berries and lizards.

Did you know?

Like most Coraciiformes, the whooping motmot nests in long tunnels dug into earth banks.