Lesson's Motmot
NameLesson's Motmot
Common NameLesson's Motmot
Scientific NameMomotus lessonii
FamilyMomotidae
Wingspan (cm)38
Length (cm)43
Weight (g)125
Plumage DetailsThe bird has a bright turquoise crown bordered by black, a black mask extending from the bill to behind the eye, and a prominent black spot on its rufous-orange breast. Its back and wings are green, transitioning to a greenish-blue on the belly. The two central tail feathers are long and end in distinctive bare shafts with racket-like tips.
Vocalization / CallIts call is a deep, resonant 'hoot-hoot' or 'coo-coo' often repeated, sometimes described as a 'mot-mot' sound, which gives the family its name.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in Central America, from southern Mexico through Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica to western Panama.
Identifying Featuresracket-tipped tail feathers, black mask, turquoise crown, black breast spot, rufous-orange breast
Description
This vibrantly colored bird is known for its distinctive racket-tipped tail feathers, which it often swings like a pendulum. It typically perches quietly in the mid-story of humid forests, scanning for insects and fruit.
