Lesson's Motmot
Momotus lessonii
Large motmot of tropical lowland forest and edge, mainly in humid areas. Perches low to high, usually in shady areas. Blue crown with a big black central patch, unlike solid blue of Blue-capped Motmot, which occurs to the north. Plumage overall less contrasting in pattern than Turquoise-browed Motmot, with much smaller tail rackets. The name ‘motmot’ comes from double-hooting call of this species, which can sound like an owl, and is mainly uttered around dawn.
Identification
The central crown is black and surrounded by a blue band. There is a black eyemask. The call is a low owl-like ooo-doot.<p>These birds often sit still, and in their dense forest habitat can be difficult to see, despite their size. They eat small prey such as insects and lizards, and will also regularly take fruit.<p>Like most of the Coraciiformes, motmots nest in tunnels in banks, laying about three or four white eggs.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Momotus lessonii
- Authority
- Lesson, RP, 1842
- Order
- Coraciiformes
- Family
- Momotidae
- Genus
- Momotus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Rusty-headed Spinetail
Synallaxis fuscorufa
Skulking cloud forest bird endemic to Colombia’s Santa Marta Mountains. Adult has a rusty hood, wings, and tail that contrast with its gray back and belly. Young birds are duller and may show faint barring on the belly. Separated from other similar species in range by its entirely chestnut head and lack of eyebrows and streaking. Shy and often hard to see, usually staying hidden inside foliage at low to middle levels. Frequently sings a strident “pit-pit-pit-chew”; the number of notes is variable.
Palawan Scops-Owl
Otus fuliginosus
A fairly small owl of lowland forest. Dark brown above with a white bar behind the shoulder, and paler and warmer brown below with black marks. Note the wide, shallow V-shape stretching from between the eyes out to the ends of the prominent ear tufts, and the dark facial shield incompletely bordered with white below. Eyes are deep orange. Similar to Mantanani Scops-Owl, which only occurs on small offshore islands off Palawan, but differs in eye color. Voice is a low rasping croak, “gruk grrrrrrrrr.”
Klages's Gnatcatcher
Polioptila paraensis
Small, rather long-tailed bird found high in the rainforest canopy; it only occurs south of the Amazon River. Plumage is mostly plain gray, but is slightly darker on the back and paler on the belly. It has a thin, broken eyering and white outer tail feathers. Similar to female Tropical Gnatcatcher, but area below the eye is gray, not white. Quite scarce and very easy to overlook due to its small size and the difficulty of seeing into the canopy from the forest floor. Typical song is a quick series of six to ten high pitched “sip” notes; these bursts are usually repeated multiple times with a short pause in between. Formerly included with several other similar species under the name of Guianan Gnatcatcher.
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