The russet-crowned motmot is a species of motmot native to north-western Mexico and central Guatemala. It is a year-round resident of the tropical and subtropical dry broadleaf forests and scrubland. The russet-crowned motmot is the most understudied species of motmot in the family Momotidae.
Region
Mesoamerica
Typical Environment
Found from northwestern and western Mexico south along the Pacific slope into central Guatemala. It favors tropical and subtropical dry broadleaf forests, thorn scrub, and semi-open woodland with scattered trees. Occurs along riparian corridors, gallery forest, and second-growth, including shaded ravines and forest edges. Often tolerant of lightly disturbed habitats such as coffee plantations and rural gardens near forest. Requires earthen banks or steep cuts for nesting burrows.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This motmot spends long periods perched quietly, often wagging its tail like a pendulum before sallying to the ground or foliage for prey. It nests in burrows it excavates in earthen banks, tunnels, or road cuts. Despite its striking colors, it can be surprisingly inconspicuous in dappled forest light.
The back of a perched russet-crowned Motmot
The front of a perched russet-crowned motmot
Temperament
quiet and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly, in pairs, or family groups, maintaining small territories. Both sexes excavate a horizontal burrow in an earthen bank where they lay and incubate eggs. Parents share feeding duties and defend the nest area, often using tail-wagging displays.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives low, hollow hoots and soft cooing notes, often in evenly spaced pairs. Calls can include a resonant “whoop-whoop” or “wot-wot,” carrying through dry forest at dawn and dusk.
Plumage
Green body with a contrasting russet crown bordered by darker edging, blue highlights on the face and nape, and a long tail with rackets at the tips. Underparts slightly paler green to olive with subtle rufous tones near the crown and upper back.
Diet
Takes large insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, and caterpillars, as well as spiders and other arthropods. Also consumes small vertebrates including lizards and small frogs when available. Supplements its diet with fruits and berries, especially in the dry season.
Preferred Environment
Forages from mid-level to low perches in dry forest, scrub, and along forest edges. Frequently sallies to the ground to seize prey, or snatches items from foliage and trunks. Often hunts along trails, stream banks, and clearings where visibility is good.
