Andean Motmot
La Ceja, Colombia; Central Andes; 2.300 meters above sea level.
Momotus aequatorialis (Andean motmot / Barranquero)
The Andean Motmot, as the English name implies, is the Andean representative of the "Blue-crowned Motmot" complex. For many years, all members of this group were considered to be conspecific, but this group now is reclassified as representing five different species. The Andean Motmot occurs in humid montane forests of the Andes mountains of South America, from Colombia south to Bolivia. Andean motmot is a big bird about 50 cm from beak to tail.
These birds often sit still, and in their dense forest habitat can be difficult to see, despite their size. They eat small prey such as insects and lizards, and will also regularly take fruit.
Andean Motmot
La Ceja, Colombia; Central Andes; 2.300 meters above sea level.
Momotus aequatorialis (Andean motmot / Barranquero)
The Andean Motmot, as the English name implies, is the Andean representative of the "Blue-crowned Motmot" complex. For many years, all members of this group were considered to be conspecific, but this group now is reclassified as representing five different species. The Andean Motmot occurs in humid montane forests of the Andes mountains of South America, from Colombia south to Bolivia. Andean motmot is a big bird about 50 cm from beak to tail.
These birds often sit still, and in their dense forest habitat can be difficult to see, despite their size. They eat small prey such as insects and lizards, and will also regularly take fruit.