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
Coastal Miner
Geositta peruviana
A pale terrestrial bird found only in coastal deserts of Peru. It is pale brownish-gray and lacks strong field marks. Very similar to Grayish Miner; Coastal Miner has a wing stripe, though this is only evident in flight. The two species mostly separate out by range, with Coastal Miner favoring the flat coastal plain and Grayish Miner preferring rocky slopes of hills and mountains. Coastal Miner is also similar to Short-tailed Field Tyrant, but lacks distinct wingbars and rump patch, and has a longer tail. Solitary, usually seen running through barren, sandy areas. Occasionally flies up to perch on a rock or bush, and also performs flight displays.
Horsfield's Babbler
Malacocincla sepiaria
A small, dull babbler with a short tail. Brown with a gray head and pale underparts. Dark gray crown, faintly streaked breast, and brighter buffy wash on the flanks eliminate similar-looking Abbott’s Babbler. Similarly drab White-chested and Sooty-capped babblers have longer tails and bills. Found in lowland and foothill forests. Typical song is a sharp chip followed by a whistled note or two: “chi puh-weee!”; Javan birds add a longer, ascending whistle to the end.
Chinese Francolin
Francolinus pintadeanus
Gamebird of dry, shrubby areas; especially common in hilly and montane regions. Male has white cheeks and rufous on the crown, shoulders, and vent, but is predominantly covered with delicate black-and-white scaling. Female is similarly intricate in her patterning but is browner and less bright overall. Singing males often stand on exposed rocks and hilltops to give their song, a metallic series of notes often likened to “come-to-the-peak-ah-ah!”
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.