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Blue-crowned motmot

Momotus momota lessonii

Description:

The Blue-crowned Motmot is 38–48 cm (15–19 in) long, depending on race. Nominate M. m. momota may weigh as little as 77 grams (2.7 oz), while the Highland Motmot may weigh up to 175 grams (6.2 oz).[1] The tail is very long with a bare-shafted racket tip. The upperparts are green, shading to blue on the lower tail, and the underparts are green or rufous depending on subspecies. In all except the entirely blue-crowned subspecies coeruliceps, the central crown is black and surrounded by a blue band. There is a black eyemask, and the nape of momota is chestnut. The call is a low owl-like "ooo-doot," although there are variations depending on the subspecies involved. 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. (information from Wikipedia)

Habitat:

Forest

Notes:

This is the only subspecies of motmot in Panama.

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2 Comments

Aaron_G
Aaron_G 11 years ago

Thanks! I chased after these birds for 2 days and the first image is the best I could manage. They weren't super shy, but they stayed on the other side of a fence I couldn't cross.

Gerardo Aizpuru
Gerardo Aizpuru 11 years ago

Great find :):)

Aaron_G
Spotted by
Aaron_G

Panama

Spotted on Jun 1, 2007
Submitted on Jan 6, 2013

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