Barranquero Ferina
Whooping Motmot
Momotus subrufescens
Song
Whooping Motmot
Appearance: The Whooping Motmot is a medium-sized bird. It has a green body plumage, a blue-violet crown, black eye-mask, and a long racket-tipped tail.
Habitat: Whooping Motmots are found in tropical forests, including both humid lowland forests and montane forests. They prefer areas with dense vegetation and can be found in habitats ranging from primary forests to secondary growth and even forest edges.
Behavior:
These motmots are known for their habit of perching motionless for long periods, observing their surroundings for prey. They feed on a variety of insects, small lizards, fruits, and even small mammals by swooping down from their perches to catch their quarry.
Breeding: Whooping Motmots are monogamous during the breeding season. They excavate nest burrows in banks or hillsides, where the female lays a small clutch of eggs. Both parents take part in caring for the young, feeding them insects and small vertebrates.
Conservation Status:
- The Whooping Motmot is not considered Globally Threatened.
Distribution
Andean Region: Whooping Motmots are found in the Andean region including both the eastern and western Andes. These birds inhabit montane forests at different altitudes, from the lower foothills to higher elevations, and are observed in areas with dense vegetation and forest cover.
Pacific Coast: Whooping Motmots are also present along the Pacific coast where they inhabit forested areas, riverbanks, and mangrove ecosystems. These birds may be encountered in coastal forests and adjacent habitats providing suitable resources for their survival.
Caribbean Region: While less common, Blue-crowned Motmots can also occur in the Caribbean region where proper forested habitats are available. They may be found in wooded areas, forests near rivers, and other habitats providing adequate cover and food sources.
Taxonomy
The Whooping Motmot (Momotus subrufescens)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Coraciiformes
- Family: Momotidae
- Genus: Momotus
- Species: Momotus subrufescens
Vocalization
The characteristic call of the Whooping Motmot is a deep, guttural "woop" or "whoop" sound that is repeated in a rhythmic pattern. This vocalization is often described as a low, resonant whooping noise that can be heard echoing through the tropical forests where these birds reside.
Apart from their distinctive whooping call, Whooping Motmot can also produce a variety of other vocalizations, including chattering sounds, hoots, and trills. These different vocalizations serve various purposes such as communication with other motmots, establishing territory boundaries, attracting mates, and signaling alarm.
