Motmots

The motmots are a family of birds, which also includes the kingfishers, bee-eaters, and rollers. All extant motmots can be found in woodland or forests in the Neotropics, and the largest are in Middle America. They have colorful plumage and a relatively heavy bill. All except the tody motmot have relatively long tails that in some species have a distinctive racket-like tip. Motmots often move their tails back and forth in a wag-display that commonly draws attention to an otherwise hidden bird. Research indicates that motmots perform the wag-display when they detect predators (based on studies on Turquoise-browed motmot) and that the display is likely to communicate that the motmot is aware of the predator and is prepared to escape. Motmots eat small prey such as insects and lizards, and will also take fruit. They nest in tunnels in banks, laying about four white eggs. Some species form large colonies of up to 40 paired individuals. The eggs hatch after about 20 days, and the young leave the nest after another 30 days. Both parents care for the young.