Rufous Motmot

The rufous motmot, Baryphthengus martii, is a striking bird, second in size only to its family members. It boasts a rich cinnamon-rufous plumage, contrasted by a black mask and central breast spot. The wings and flanks are a vibrant green, transitioning to a greenish-blue on the lower belly. Its tail and flight feathers are a deep blue, with the tail being notably long. The subspecies B. m. semirufus is distinguished by a bare-shafted racket tip on its tail, a feature absent in the nominate form.

Identification Tips

To identify the rufous motmot, look for its black bill and legs, which complement its predominantly rufous body. The black face mask and breast spot are key features, along with the green to blue gradient on the belly. Juveniles are paler and lack the tail rackets and black breast spot of adults.

Habitat

This species thrives in humid lowland evergreen forests, both primary and secondary. It shows a preference for tall forests, particularly those flanking rivers and streams, while avoiding areas with dense foliage.

Distribution

The rufous motmot can be found from northeastern Honduras to western Ecuador, northern Bolivia, and western Brazil. It occupies elevations from sea level up to 1,400 meters in Panama and Ecuador, and occasionally up to 1,600 meters in Peru.

Behaviour

Omnivorous by nature, the rufous motmot's diet includes a variety of fruits, insects and their larvae, arachnids, crustaceans, and small vertebrates like fish, lizards, and frogs.

Song & Calls

The vocal repertoire of the rufous motmot includes a series of "hoos," "hoots," or "hoops," which may be followed by a lower, owl-like sequence. When agitated, it emits a dry chattering call.

Breeding

Details on the breeding habits of the rufous motmot are scarce, but it is believed to nest in deep burrows within earthen banks, similar to other motmots. The specifics of clutch size and egg characteristics remain undocumented.

Conservation Status

The rufous motmot is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating a stable population without immediate threats to its survival.