Bird Guide

Trinidad Motmot

Momotus bahamensis

Least ConcernEndemicOmnivoreForestCavity nestMedium · 111 g

About the Trinidad Motmot

The Trinidad and Tobago motmot is a colourful Coraciiform afroavian endemic to the forests and woodlands of Trinidad and Tobago. It is a nonmigratory member of the Momotidae family and the Momotus genus. This species and the blue-capped motmot, Lesson's motmot, whooping motmot, Amazonian motmot, and Andean motmot were all considered conspecific. Though found on both islands, this bird is more abundant in Tobago than it is in Trinidad.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

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The Trinidad motmot is much more deeply and uniformly rufous below than other species in Momotus. Its throat is a deep, intense reddish-brown, while its breast is slightly paler and often has a faint, lateral olive-green wash. These birds' abdomens are almost as dark as their breasts, and their thighs contrast sharply with their green or blue-green colouring. The contrast between the two is much stronger compared to other species. Their black pectoral feathers have broad and conspicuous turquoise borders, while the tibial feathers are green to blue-green. Voice: The Trinidad motmot's call is a low-pitched, owl-like "hoot" that can be described as a "coo-coo" or "ooo-doot." Unlike motmots with single-note calls, this species has a distinct two-note call. The first note is typically shorter and lower-pitched, with a noticeable drop in pitch at the end, while the second note is longer.

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

Where the Trinidad Motmot lives

Regular range

When to see the Trinidad Motmot

Peak activity in January · a variable species across most of its range

Easily confused with

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