Bird Guide

Andean Motmot vs Lesson's Motmot

Andean Motmot (Momotus aequatorialis)

Andean Motmot

Momotus aequatorialis

Medium158 gForest

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.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Peter Archdale · CC BY 4.0
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: Andean Motmot and Lesson's Motmot.