The rufous-capped motmot is a species of bird in the family Momotidae. It is found in Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay.
Region
Atlantic Forest of Brazil, Paraguay, and northeastern Argentina
Typical Environment
Inhabits humid evergreen and semideciduous forests, including mature interior, edges, gallery forests, and well-vegetated ravines. Often associated with shaded stream corridors and steep earthen banks suitable for burrowing. Occurs in both primary and well-structured secondary growth but is less common in heavily fragmented habitats. Tends to remain in the midstory and lower canopy, moving between dense perches.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This motmot is a quiet, forest-dwelling species of the Atlantic Forest, most often seen perched in shade and slowly wagging its long tail side to side. It nests in long burrows excavated into earthen banks, sometimes several meters deep. Its mellow, owl-like hoots carry through dense vegetation at dawn and dusk. Although adaptable to secondary woodland, it is sensitive to large-scale forest loss.
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Usually encountered alone or in pairs maintaining territories within forested ravines and slopes. Both sexes excavate a long nesting burrow in an earthen bank, where a small clutch is laid on a chamber floor. Pairs communicate with soft hoots and visual displays, including slow tail-wagging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives low, resonant hoots, often in a paired “hoo-hoo” series reminiscent of a small owl. Calls carry well through dense foliage and are most frequent at dawn and dusk.
