Tody Motmot

The Tody Motmot, a diminutive and vibrant bird, is the smallest member of the motmot family. It bears a striking resemblance to the Caribbean todies, hence its name. This species is adorned with a green crown, a rufous neck, and a green back and rump. A blue supercilium and a black facial mask, edged with a white stripe, give it a distinctive appearance. Its throat is white, transitioning to a greenish breast with light streaks and a white belly.

Identification Tips

When observing the Tody Motmot, look for its compact size, which ranges from 16.5 to 18.0 cm in length. The males typically weigh between 27 to 33 grams, while the females are slightly lighter at 25 to 30 grams. The bird's coloration is a key identifier, with variations among the three subspecies. The nominate subspecies is the brightest, while the others, M. m. chiapensis and M. m. obscurus, are somewhat darker, with the latter having less white on the throat.

Habitat

This species favors the humid evergreen forests, often found from sea level up to 1,850 meters in elevation. It has a particular affinity for ravines within these lush environments.

Distribution

The Tody Motmot's range extends from southern Mexico through Central America and into Colombia. Its presence is confirmed in countries such as Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Panama.

Behaviour

The Tody Motmot is known for its unique feeding behavior, as it captures insects, spiders, and snails from vegetation in flight and is also adept at catching butterflies and dragonflies on the wing. Unlike its motmot relatives, it does not typically consume fruit.

Song & Calls

Listeners can identify the Tody Motmot by its resonant and gruff-sounding "kwa-kwa-kwa-kwa…" or "quah quah quah quah…" call. It also emits loud, penetrating, hollow "whoop!" notes that carry through its forested habitat.

Breeding

Little is known about the breeding habits of the Tody Motmot. Observations include adults carrying food in June and sightings of adults with fledglings in early July. The nest of this elusive bird remains a mystery to ornithologists.

Similar Species

Due to its unique size and coloration within the motmot family, the Tody Motmot has few similar species. However, its resemblance to the todies of the Caribbean may cause some initial confusion for the untrained eye.

Diet and Feeding

The Tody Motmot's diet is primarily composed of insects, spiders, and snails. It is an active forager, adept at plucking prey from foliage or capturing it mid-flight.

Conservation status

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified the Tody Motmot as Least Concern. Its population varies from very uncommon to common across its fragmented range, but it does not currently face significant threats that would warrant a higher conservation status.