The Andean motmot or highland motmot is a colorful near-passerine bird found from northern Colombia to western Bolivia.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs from the mountains of northern Colombia through Ecuador and Peru to western Bolivia. Prefers humid montane and cloud forests, often in mature secondary growth and along forest edges and ravines. Common near streams, landslides, and road cuts where nesting banks are available. Also ventures into shaded plantations and gardens near forest.
Altitude Range
800–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Andean motmots have distinctive racket-tipped tails; the barbs near the tip wear away naturally, creating the paddle shape. When alerted, they wag the tail side-to-side like a pendulum. They nest in long burrows they excavate in earthen banks or road cuts, sometimes over a meter deep.
Temperament
quiet and deliberate, often tame
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, perching quietly in midstory shade. During breeding, pairs excavate long tunnel nests in earthen banks and share incubation and chick-rearing. Territorial displays include tail-wagging and soft calls near the nest.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives deep, resonant hoots and whoo-notes, often in rhythmic, spaced pairs. Calls carry through forest at dawn and dusk, interspersed with soft clucks and grunts at close range.
Plumage
Lush green body with subtle rufous tones on the nape and underparts; blue crown bordered by a black central spot and a bold black mask edged in turquoise-blue. Long tail with bare shafts ending in racket-shaped tips.
Diet
Takes large insects such as beetles, wasps, and caterpillars, as well as spiders and other arthropods. Also consumes small vertebrates including lizards and small frogs. Fruits and berries form a regular part of the diet, especially when insect prey is scarce.
Preferred Environment
Forages from shaded midstory perches along edges, clearings, and stream corridors, making short sallies to the ground or foliage. Frequently uses low, open perches in secondary forest and agroforestry plots like coffee plantations.
