Turquoise-browed Motmot
NameTurquoise-browed Motmot
Common NameTurquoise-browed Motmot
Scientific NameEumomota superciliosa
FamilyMomotidae
Wingspan (cm)21
Length (cm)33
Weight (g)65
Plumage DetailsFeatures a bright turquoise supercilium above a black eye mask, a black throat patch bordered by turquoise, and a rufous-chestnut belly. The back and wings are green, transitioning to bright turquoise on the rump and tail. The two central tail feathers are elongated with bare shafts, ending in black and turquoise racquets.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalization is a low, guttural 'mot-mot' or 'hoot-hoot' sound, often repeated, sometimes described as a 'cow-cow' or 'kwa-kwa'.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeNative to Central America, ranging from southeastern Mexico through the Yucatán Peninsula, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica.
Identifying Featuresracquet-tipped tail feathers, turquoise supercilium, black eye mask, rufous-chestnut belly, black throat patch bordered by turquoise
Description
This strikingly colorful bird is easily recognized by its unique racquet-tipped tail feathers, which it wags from side to side like a pendulum. It typically perches quietly in shaded areas of forests or gardens, scanning for insects and small prey.
