Turquoise-browed Motmot

Description:

One of my favorite birds in my area. This Motmot is a mainstay that can be seen all year long. They are about 12" long from racket tail tip to beak. They have a distinctive call. They are easily approached and don't fly away very easily unless their nest is approached thereby moving to get a predators attention away from the nest. This bird is one of the most successful and due in part to man's encroachment. They dig holes in mud banks and natural dirt walls. However, when roads are made humans naturally create the perfect dirt wall nesting sites where the ground is leveled. They often make various nest sites but use one for nesting. I have seen them use the same hole year after year. They nest during the northern hemisphere winter and usually produce at least two offspring.

Habitat:

Tropical dry and wet forests from Southern Mexico to Southern Costa Rica.