Motmots - Motmots

The motmots are restricted to woodland or forests in the Neotropics. They have a colourful plumage and a relatively heavy bill. Most motmots species have relatively long tails that in some species have a distinctive racket-like tip.

Most motmots nest in tunnels in banks, laying about four white eggs. 

Motmots often move their tails back and forth in a wag-display that commonly draws attention to an otherwise hidden bird. Motmots perform the wag-display when they detect predators and that the display is likely to communicate that the motmot is aware of the predator and is prepared to escape. 

There is also evidence that the male tail, which is slightly larger than the female tail, functions as a sexual signal.

Did you know ??   

• Motmots are often called "clock birds" due to their interesting habit to swing their tail from side to side like a pendulum.