Head to head
Blue-crowned Motmot vs Turquoise-browed Motmot
Blue-crowned Motmot
VS Turquoise-browed Motmot
Both are motmots that swing a racket-tipped tail as a signal, but they differ in build, colour, and habitat openness.
| Blue-crowned Motmot | Turquoise-browed Motmot | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Momotus momota | Eumomota superciliosa |
| Conservation status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Body size | Larger | Smaller |
| Habitat openness | More retiring, tied to closed forest | Tolerant of open and disturbed country |
| Distinguishing feature | Vivid blue crown patch | Brilliant turquoise brow stripe |
| Range | Mexico through much of South America | Southeastern Mexico to northwestern Costa Rica |
| National significance | Not a national bird | National bird of El Salvador and Nicaragua |
| Tail display | Swings racket tail as a signal | Swings racket tail as a pursuit-deterrent signal |
Blue-crowned Motmot vs Turquoise-browed Motmot: common questions
Which motmot is more tied to open country?
The turquoise-browed motmot is, commonly perching on fences, wires, and bare branches in open and disturbed habitat, while the blue-crowned motmot stays more closely tied to closed forest.
Which motmot is a national bird?
The turquoise-browed motmot is, serving as the national bird of both El Salvador, where it is called the torogoz, and Nicaragua, where it is known as the guardabarranco.
How can you tell these two motmots apart?
The blue-crowned motmot is larger and greener with a vivid blue crown patch, while the turquoise-browed motmot is smaller, more rufous, and shows a brilliant turquoise brow stripe.