Turquoise-browed Motmot

The Turquoise-browed Motmot, Eumomota superciliosa, is a medium-sized bird adorned with a palette of vibrant colors. It boasts a predominantly grey-blue plumage, accented by a rufous back and belly. A striking feature is the bright blue stripe above its eye, complemented by a blue-bordered black patch on its throat. The bird's tail is particularly distinctive, with blue flight feathers and tail uppersides, ending in unique racket-shaped tips, a result of naturally weak barbs that fall off with preening and wear.

Identification Tips

This species measures 34 cm in length and weighs approximately 65 grams. Observers should look for the elongated central tail feathers, which are longer than those of other motmots, creating its characteristic racket shape. The turquoise brow and the blue and black throat patch are also key identifiers.

Habitat

The Turquoise-browed Motmot is found in fairly open habitats, including forest edges, gallery forests, and scrublands.

Distribution

Its range extends from southeast Mexico, predominantly the Yucatán Peninsula, through Central America to Costa Rica.

Behaviour

The Turquoise-browed Motmot is known for its conspicuousness, often perching openly on wires and fences. It hunts by scanning for prey, such as insects and small reptiles, from these vantage points.

Song & Calls

Its vocalizations are described as nasal and croaking, carrying far across its habitat.

Breeding

Breeding involves the laying of white eggs, numbering between three to six, in a long tunnel nest within an earth bank, and occasionally in quarries or freshwater wells.

Similar Species

While unique in its appearance, care should be taken not to confuse it with other less conspicuous motmots which share parts of its range.

Diet and Feeding

The Turquoise-browed Motmot feeds on insects and small reptiles, which it often catches after observing from a perch.

Conservation Status

The species is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating it is not considered threatened at this time.

The Turquoise-browed Motmot is a celebrated bird within its range, holding the title of national bird in both El Salvador and Nicaragua. It is locally known by various names, such as "guardabarranco" in Nicaragua and "torogoz" in El Salvador, reflecting its cultural significance.