Blue-Crowned Motmot

Most of the species of motmots have tail feathers that distinguish them from other birds. The center tail feathers, which twitch like the pendulum of a clock when the motmot is perched, have bare spines at the tip. This makes them easily recognizable. The plumage of the blue-crowned motmot is shades of green and blue. They have red eyes, a turquoise crown and black face.
Motmots are found in Mexico, Central America, and South America rainforests. Motmots dig their nests in the shape of tunnels 5 - 14 feet long and four inches in diameter with a nesting chamber at the end, which is 10 by 14 inches in length. Both males and females begin excavating between August and October, which is the rainy season when the soil is soft. Then they leave the nest, returning in March or April for breeding season. Both males and females share parental responsibility. Motmots choose to live near water, for drinking and bathing.
Motmots eat fruit, small reptiles and insects, and worms.
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