Amazonian Motmot

The Amazonian Motmot is a mid-to-large motmot of South American lowland and foothill rainforest, often detected by its low hooting call before it is seen. It sits still for long periods on a low to mid-level perch, its green plumage blending into shaded understory, and reveals itself mainly through the slow pendulum swing of its long tail.

The tail is long and strongly graduated, with the central pair of feathers extending well past the rest and ending in bare-shafted racket tips, a structure unique to motmots among similarly sized rainforest birds. Body feathers are predominantly green, darkening to blackish on a facial mask through the eye, with a crown patch of deep blue feathers bordered by black. Underparts vary from greenish to rufous-tinged depending on population. The wings are short and rounded relative to the tail, with flight feathers duller green and lacking the racket structure. Compared to smaller motmots, this species is bulkier with a heavier, more strongly hooked bill visible even on isolated head feathers or bill fragments.

Both sexes appear similar, with no strong plumage difference between males and females. Immature birds show a shorter tail without fully developed racket tips and duller crown coloration. Feather wear and self-preening are involved in shaping the bare racket shaft over time, so tail length and racket definition can vary between individuals and populations across its wide range.

This species occupies lowland and foothill rainforest interior and edge across much of the Amazon basin and adjacent regions, generally staying below the high canopy. It is a non-migratory resident, remaining on established territories year-round.

Amazonian Motmots feed on large insects and other small prey, most often taken in sit-and-wait sallies from a low perch. They excavate nest burrows into earthen banks or slopes. Their voice is a low, resonant, often paired hooting call, frequently the first indication of the bird's presence in dense forest. The characteristic slow tail swing is used as an alert display when the bird is disturbed.