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Motmots are easily distinguished from other birds by their tail feathers. The center two tail feathers are raquet-tipped and flick back and forth like a pendulum. The blue-crowned motmot sits quietly in the forest understory, darting down to the ground every so often to pluck insects and spiders from the forest floor.

Blue Crowned Motmot on the ground

Did You Know?

These birds nest in burrows that they excavate in the ground?

Quick Facts

Latin Name:
Momotus momota

Range:
Northern South America

Habitat:
Rainforest, forest edges and agricultural areas

Length:
1.3 ft

Diet:
Berries, fruits, insects and other small animals