Andean Motmot
Momotus aequatorialis
The Andean Motmot (Momotus aequatorialis) is a uncommon motmot found in 4 countries, weighing about 158 g. The Andean motmot or highland motmot is a colorful near-passerine bird found from northern Colombia to western Bolivia.










About the Andean Motmot
The Andean motmot or highland motmot is a colorful near-passerine bird found from northern Colombia to western Bolivia.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The Andean motmot is in general typical of its family: It is a large bird with a stout black bill and a long tail with a "racquet" tip. It is 46 to 48 cm (18 to 19 in) long and weighs 143 to 202 g (5.0 to 7.1 oz). Its back, wings, throat, breast, and belly are green. The crown is black, bordered on the sides and rear with a "diadem" of various shades of blue. It has a black "mask" bordered with blue and a black spot or streak in the center of the breast. The racquets are dark blue. Voice: The song of the Andean motmot has been described as "a monotone boop-oop" , similar to that of rufous motmot.
Where it lives
When to see it
The Andean Motmot can be seen all year round, with peak activity in May. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify an Andean Motmot?
- The Andean motmot is in general typical of its family: It is a large bird with a stout black bill and a long tail with a "racquet" tip. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is an Andean Motmot?
- The Andean Motmot is a medium sized bird weighing about 158 g.
- Where can you see an Andean Motmot?
- The Andean Motmot occurs in 4 countries, including Colombia, Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia.
- What birds look similar to an Andean Motmot?
- The Andean Motmot is most easily confused with the Amazonian Motmot, the Whooping Motmot and the Russet-crowned Motmot.
- Is the Andean Motmot endangered?
- The Andean Motmot is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Andean Motmot for real
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