Whooping Motmot
NameWhooping Motmot
Common NameWhooping Motmot
Scientific NameMomotus subrufescens
FamilyMomotidae
Wingspan (cm)30
Length (cm)40.5
Weight (g)125
Plumage DetailsThis motmot has a predominantly green body, with a rufous-brown wash on its underparts. Its head features a bright turquoise crown bordered by black, a prominent black mask extending behind the eye, and a small black spot on the chest. The long tail is blue-green, with the central feathers having bare shafts ending in distinctive racket-like tips.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations consist of deep, hooting calls, often described as a series of 'whoop-whoop' or 'hoot-hoot' notes, which give the bird its common name.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeThe Whooping Motmot is found in Central and South America, ranging from eastern Panama through northern Colombia to northwestern Venezuela.
Identifying Featuresracket-tipped tail feathers, turquoise crown, black mask, green body plumage, deep hooting call
Description
The Whooping Motmot is a medium-sized, colorful bird characterized by its green body, turquoise crown, and distinctive black mask. It is known for its long, racket-tipped tail feathers and often perches quietly in the understory of tropical forests, hunting insects and small vertebrates.
