Bird Guide

Amazonian Motmot vs Lesson's Motmot

Amazonian Motmot (Momotus momota)

Amazonian Motmot

Momotus momota

Medium115 gForest

The Amazonian motmot's plumage varies among the subspecies. The bodies of all are shades of green. All have a long tail that has extended feathers with racquet tips that are green or black. Most have a black eyemask, though their size and shape differ. The central crown is black and surrounded or partially bordered by a blue band. The nominate subspecies has a chestnut nape. Momotus momota ignobilis and M. m. cametensis have more extensive chestnut on the neck and face. Voice: The Amazonian motmot's song has been described as "a fast, hollow hoo-do" and "a bubbling whOOP-oo". It also makes "a gruff kak", sometimes in a series.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Geoff Gallice from Gainesville, FL, USA · CC BY 2.0
Lesson's Motmot (Momotus lessonii)

Lesson's Motmot

Momotus lessonii

Medium115 gForest

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. 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. Like most of the Coraciiformes, motmots nest in tunnels in banks, laying about three or four white eggs.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Sonogram of the Lesson's Motmot
Recorded by Oliver Komar · Uncertain · El Zamorano, San Antonio de Oriente, Departamento de Francisco Morazán, Honduras · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Kathy & sam from Beaverton OR, USA · CC BY 2.0

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Amazonian Motmot and Lesson's Motmot.