Bird Guide

Andean Motmot vs Russet-crowned 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
Russet-crowned Motmot (Momotus mexicanus)

Russet-crowned Motmot

Momotus mexicanus

Medium76 gWoodland

Voice: The russet-crowned motmot produces a low "krrp", "krrup", or "kru, krr-up" which is strung together, making a longer call. They can also produce a hollow "ook". Mated pairs take part in call-and-response duets.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: datadan · CC BY 4.0

Learn this pair in the BeakBrain App

Photo and call practice. Coming soon to iPhone and Android.

Play today's Daily Bird

Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Andean Motmot and Russet-crowned Motmot.