The broad-billed motmot is a fairly common Central and South American bird of the Momotidae family. They are nonmigratory, sedentary birds that are most frequently seen in singles or pairs. There exist six subspecies of the broad-billed motmot.
Region
Central America to northwestern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Central America through Panama into western Colombia and Ecuador, with populations in humid lowland and foothill forests. It favors dense understory and forest edges, especially along streams and in ravines. The species also uses semi-open habitats like shaded cacao and coffee plantations near intact forest. Typically found in mature evergreen forest but will persist in well-vegetated secondary growth. It is largely sedentary and maintains territories year-round.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Broad-billed motmots are sit-and-wait predators that often perch quietly before sallying out to snatch prey. Their distinctive racket-tipped tail feathers are formed by natural wear, not by being preened off. They nest in burrows they excavate in earthen banks. Six subspecies are recognized across their Central and South American range.
showing racquet-shaped central tail feathers
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, maintaining year-round territories. Breeding pairs excavate a burrow nest in an earthen bank or steep slope, where they lay and incubate eggs. They are generally quiet and unobtrusive, spending long periods motionless on low to mid-level perches.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives low, hollow 'hoo' or 'whoop' notes, often repeated at measured intervals and sometimes given in duet. Also emits soft clucks and a dry 'tack' when alarmed. Vocalizations carry well through dense forest understory.
