Amazonian Motmot

Multi-coloured with a long tail ending in two racquets, this dashing crow-sized bird can be found across a broad swathe of lowland forests across South America, from Colombia to Argentina.

When disturbed, the bird abruptly swings its racquet tail from side to side like a pendulum.

In the mid and understorey of the Amazon Basin, the motmot has a favourite perch where it sits patiently and watches intently for insects and small vertebrates as potential snacks.

Upon spotting prey, the bird flies over to grab its reward from the ground or nearby foliage. It also takes fruits.

The motmot lives a solitary life or in pairs. Active by day, it often calls at dawn and dusk.

Its low ‘BOO-boop’ double-note song sounds like an owl’s hoot and is commonly heard. Paired birds perform duets that also include a series of rolling hoots.