Andean Motmot
Momotus aequatorialis
Large motmot found in forests and edges from foothills into subtropical zone; typically at higher elevations than other motmots. Green overall with blue wings and tail, black mask, and shining blue crown with black center. Long tail with rackets. The name “motmot” comes from the double-hooting call, which can sound like an owl, and is mainly uttered around dawn. Seen singly or in pairs, usually perched quietly in the midstory of mossy subtropical forest. Inconspicuous.
Taxonomy
The Andean motmot and the blue-capped (Momotus coeruleiceps), whooping (M. subrufrescens), Trinidad (M. bahamensis), Lesson's (M. lessonii), and Amazonian motmots (M. momota) were all at one time considered conspecific. The Andean motmot has two recognized subspecies, the nominate Momotus aequatorialis aequatorialis and M. a. chlorolaemus.
- Scientific name
- Momotus aequatorialis
- Authority
- Gould, 1858
- Order
- Coraciiformes
- Family
- Momotidae
- Genus
- Momotus
Range and habitat
The Andean motmot is resident in the Andes from Colombia through Ecuador and Peru to La Paz Department in northwestern Bolivia. In Colombia, it occurs in all three major cordilleras, but in Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia it is found only along the eastern side of the Andes. In Colombia it ranges in elevation from 1,500 to 3,100 m (4,900 to 10,200 ft), in Ecuador from 1,000 to 2,100 m (3,300 to 6,900 ft), in Peru from 1,000 to 2,400 m (3,300 to 7,900 ft), and in Bolivia from 1,600 to 1,900 m (5,200 to 6,200 ft).<p>The Andean motmot primarily inhabits humid montane forest, often near steams. It can also be found along forest edges and in secondary forest.
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
The Andean motmot is omnivorous. It primarily feeds on arthropods but also eats fruit. It has been documented taking a small marsupial of genus Micoureus.<p>The Andean motmot is assumed to nest in a long burrow in an earth bank like other motmots, but the nest has not been described. A male in breeding condition was collected in September in Colombia.<p>The song of the Andean motmot has been described as "a monotone boop-oop" [1], similar to that of rufous motmot.
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Fiery-throated Fruiteater
Pipreola chlorolepidota
Small, scarce fruiteater found in cloud forest in the eastern foothills of the Andes. Both sexes are mostly green. Male has a ruby-red throat and a yellowish belly. Female has a yellow chin and yellow scaling on the belly. Female is similar to female to Scarlet-breasted Fruiteater but smaller and with a black (not orange) bill. Feeds on berries in middle to upper levels in the forest, and often found in pairs.
Coastal Cisticola
Cisticola haematocephalus
A relatively colorful, medium-sized, long-tailed cisticola. Note the gray-brown back with thick black streaks, the brown on the wing and cap, and the whitish underparts. Found in wetlands and moist grassland and scrub. As with other cisticolas, habitat and vocalizations are important to identification. Very similar to Winding Cisticola, but paler overall, and differs vocally. Also similar to Rattling Cisticola, but more colorful, with very different vocalizations: a wheezy, very high-pitched trill, and raspy “chi-dup” calls that are often given in a display flight.
Rusty-winged Antwren
Herpsilochmus frater
A small antwren with a relatively long tail and bill. Widespread, occurs from eastern Panama to central Brazil. Bright plumage for an antwren: look for its yellow belly, rufous wings, bold white wingbars, and dark eyeline. Sexes are similar, but female has a rufous cap, which is black on male. Most often seen in pairs, foraging in the low to middle levels of lowland and foothill forest. Frequently follows mixed-species flocks. Listen for a short, harsh, rapid trill that accelerates into a growl.
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