Amazonian Motmot Momotus momota

Motmots are medium-sized, colourful birds related to kingfishers and rollers. The Amazonian Motmot has an extensive range covering forests of much of northern South America east of the Andes.

Prior to 2009, Momotus momota was called the Blue-crowned Motmot and had an even more extensive range covering Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean and much of South America. In 2009, several subspecies, mainly in Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, were split out as five separate species and the remaining subspecies, in northern South America east of the Andes, were regrouped as the Amazonian Motmot (still containing several subspecies with variations in plumage).

(The Blue-crowned or Blue-capped still exists in the new structure, but as M. coeruliceps, with a wholly blue top of the head rather than a black cap bordered in blue.)

Male and female have similar plumage with a blue circle on the head (more turquoise in front and more purple at the back) and a black cap. They have red eyes and an orange or light green underside. Length is some 40-45cm.

The racket-shaped tail plumes, on both males and females (unusually for birds), are used as an additional means of communication.