Head to head
Blue-crowned Motmot vs Rufous Motmot
Blue-crowned Motmot
VS Rufous Motmot
Both are motmots that swing a long racket-tipped tail like a pendulum, but their markings and size set them apart.
| Blue-crowned Motmot | Rufous Motmot | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Momotus momota | Baryphthengus martii |
| Conservation status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Distinguishing feature | Vivid blue crown patch | Rich rufous underparts |
| Body size | Smaller, more compact | One of the largest motmot species |
| Range | Mexico through much of South America | Central America into the western Amazon |
| Habitat | Forest, rainforest | Rainforest specifically |
| Nesting | Digs burrows into earthen banks | Not specifically documented for burrow nesting |
| Diet | Insects, small reptiles, fruit | Insects, small reptiles, fruit |
Blue-crowned Motmot vs Rufous Motmot: common questions
Which motmot is larger?
The rufous motmot is, ranking among the largest members of the motmot family, compared to the smaller, more compact blue-crowned motmot.
How can you tell these two motmots apart?
The blue-crowned motmot shows a vivid blue crown patch against green plumage, while the rufous motmot is identified by deep rufous underparts contrasting with a green back.
Which motmot has the wider range?
The blue-crowned motmot does, found from Mexico through much of South America, compared to the rufous motmot's more restricted range across Central America and the western Amazon.