The Trinidad and Tobago motmot is a colourful near-passerine bird endemic to the forests and woodlands of Trinidad and Tobago. It is a nonmigratory member of the Momotidae family and the Momotus genus. This species and the blue-capped motmot, Lesson's motmot, whooping motmot, Amazonian motmot, and Andean motmot were all considered conspecific. Though found on both islands, this bird is more abundant in Tobago than it is in Trinidad.
Region
Southern Caribbean (Trinidad and Tobago)
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid lowland and foothill forests, forest edges, and shaded second growth. It also frequents ravines, streamside thickets, and older cacao or mixed agroforestry plots near intact woodland. Birds often use semi-open understory with scattered perches for foraging. It adapts to fragmented habitats provided sufficient canopy cover and earthen banks for nesting are available.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This island motmot is a sit-and-wait hunter that often perches quietly before swooping to snatch prey, then beats it on a branch. Its tail ends in distinctive racket tips formed by natural feather wear. It nests in long burrows it excavates in earthen banks or sloped ground. Although present on both islands, it is typically more frequently encountered on Tobago.
Temperament
quiet and somewhat secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs, especially during the breeding season. Pairs excavate long tunnel nests in earthen banks, both sexes participating in digging and incubation. They maintain small territories and often use regular perches for foraging and calling.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives resonant, low hoots, often a repeated two-note “hoo-OO” with measured spacing. Calls carry well through forest understory and are most frequent at dawn and dusk.
Plumage
Velvety green upperparts with a rufous nape and breast wash, blue crown bordered by black, and turquoise highlights on the wings. Long tail with bare shafted, racket-tipped feathers. Bold black mask through the eye contrasts with the surrounding blue and green tones.
Diet
Primarily eats large insects such as beetles, katydids, and grasshoppers, supplemented by spiders and other arthropods. It also takes small vertebrates like lizards and frogs when available. Fruits and berries, including figs and other native trees, form a regular part of the diet, especially outside peak insect periods.
Preferred Environment
Forages from low to mid-level perches in shaded forest edges, gullies, and along streams. Often sallies to the ground or understory foliage to seize prey, then returns to a perch to handle it. Uses semi-open areas adjacent to forest where perches and cover are available.
