Blue-throated Motmot

The Blue-throated Motmot, Aspatha gularis, is a medium-sized bird, measuring between 25.5 to 28.0 cm in length and weighing between 56.0 to 67.3 grams. It boasts a long, graduated tail, unique among its kin for lacking the racquet tips commonly seen in other motmots. The adult's plumage is predominantly green, with a paler underside and a striking blue throat adorned with a central black spot. The side of the head is ochre, marked by a distinctive black "ear" spot. Juveniles present a more subdued appearance, with the green of their backs tinged with olive.

Identification Tips

When observing the Blue-throated Motmot, look for its long tail and the absence of racquet tips. The blue throat with a black spot is a key characteristic, along with the ochre sides of the head and the black "ear" spot. The bird's overall green plumage is another identifying feature.

Habitat

This species favors montane evergreen and pine forests with medium to high humidity. It thrives in the cooler climes of higher elevations.

Distribution

The Blue-throated Motmot is native to a range extending from Oaxaca and Chiapas in Mexico, through Guatemala and parts of El Salvador, and into Honduras. In Mexico, it can be found from elevations of 1,300 to 3,000 meters, while in Honduras, it is typically not seen below 1,800 meters.

Behaviour

The Blue-throated Motmot is known for its method of foraging, which involves plucking insects, particularly beetles, from foliage mid-flight. It also consumes fruit and is known to feed fruit to its nestlings.

Song & Calls

From its high, exposed perch, the Blue-throated Motmot often emits single "hoot" or "huuk" notes. At times, it may string these notes into a longer series, creating a "hoodloodloodloodl…" sequence.

Breeding

Breeding Blue-throated Motmots excavate burrows in earth banks, which can extend up to 1.8 meters and may include bends. In Guatemala, eggs are laid in April, and fledglings have been observed in late May in Mexico. Clutches typically consist of three eggs.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Blue-throated Motmot primarily includes insects and fruit. Its foraging technique involves catching insects in flight and it is known to feed fruit to its young.

Conservation status

The IUCN has classified the Blue-throated Motmot as Least Concern. Despite a declining population trend, the species' large population size and extensive range contribute to this assessment.