Birds
Rufous Motmot
Baryphthengus martii
Deep rufous underparts glow against a green back as a rufous motmot perches quietly in the rainforest canopy, one of the largest members of a family known for long, pendulum-swinging tails.
Overview
The rufous motmot, Baryphthengus martii, is a Least Concern bird found across humid lowland rainforest from Central America into the western Amazon basin. Its rich rufous underparts, substantial size among motmots, and characteristic racket-tipped tail make it one of the more striking members of its family found in Neotropical forest.
Size sets it apart
Among a family already known for striking appearance, the rufous motmot stands out partly through scale, ranking among the largest motmot species found anywhere across its Central American and Amazonian range.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread across suitable lowland rainforest habitat throughout its range.
Rufous Motmot: common questions
How can you identify a rufous motmot?
Look for deep rufous colouring across the chest and belly contrasting with a green back and crown, combined with the long, racket-tipped tail typical of the motmot family.
Is the rufous motmot a large bird?
Yes, it is among the largest members of the motmot family found in Neotropical lowland rainforest.
What does the rufous motmot eat?
It is an omnivore, eating insects, small reptiles, and fruit, typically taken from a perch or gleaned from nearby vegetation.
Where is the rufous motmot found?
It ranges across humid lowland rainforest from Central America into the western Amazon basin.