Barranquero Andino
Highland Motmot
Momotus aequatorialis
Song
Highland Motmot (Andean Motmot)
Appearance: The Highland Motmot is a species of motmot found in the mountainous regions of northern South America, including Colombia. It is characterized by its vibrant plumage, which includes a green body, blue crown, black mask, and a distinctive racket-tipped tail. The bird has a relatively large size, measuring around 40-44 centimeters in length.
Habitat: In Colombia, the Highland Motmot is typically found in montane forests and cloud forests at higher elevations, ranging from 1,200 to 3,000 meters above sea level. These habitats provide the bird with the dense vegetation and tall trees it requires for nesting, foraging, and roosting.
Behavior: Highland Motmots are known for their relatively solitary and elusive behavior. They are often seen perched motionless among the foliage, where their green plumage provides effective camouflage. These birds are skilled hunters, feeding on a varied diet that includes insects, small reptiles, and occasionally fruits.
Breeding: Highland Motmots are monogamous and will establish breeding territories within their preferred habitat. They usually excavate nest burrows in earthen banks or termite mounds where the female lays her eggs. Both parents participate in incubating the eggs and raising the chicks until they fledge.
Conservation Status: The Highland Motmot is generally considered to be a species of least concern in terms of conservation status.
Distribution
Eastern Andes: The Highland Motmot is commonly found in the Eastern Andes mountain range of Colombia, which includes departments such as Norte de Santander, Boyacá, Cundinamarca, Tolima, and Huila. These regions encompass a variety of montane forests and cloud forests at higher elevations where the Highland Motmot thrives.
Central Andes: Some populations of the Highland Motmot may also inhabit the Central Andes mountain range of Colombia, including departments such as Antioquia, Caldas, Quindío, and Risaralda. The bird can be found in montane forests and cloud forests in these areas, taking advantage of the diverse habitats provided by the Andean ecosystem.
Western Andes: In the Western Andes mountain range of Colombia, which includes departments like Valle del Cauca, Cauca, and Nariño, the Highland Motmot can also be encountered in suitable montane forest habitats. These regions offer important corridors for the bird to move across its range.
Taxonomy
The Highland Motmot (Momotus aequatorialis)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Coraciiformes
- Family: Momotidae
- Genus: Momotus
- Species: Momotus aequatorialis
Vocalization
Croaking Calls: Highland Motmots produce a deep, resonant croaking call that is often given in a series of repeated notes. These calls are used to establish territory boundaries and to communicate with other motmots in the vicinity.
Hooting Calls: Another vocalization commonly heard from Highland Motmots is a hooting sound that is soft and often melodious. This call is used during courtship and bonding between pairs.
Chattering Calls: Highland Motmots can also emit chattering sounds, which are typically rapid and high-pitched. These calls may serve as alarm calls or signals of distress.
Contact Calls: When Highland Motmot individuals are in close proximity or want to keep in contact with one another, they may produce softer and more intimate contact calls. These calls help maintain social bonds within a family group or pair.
