Amazonian Motmot

The Amazonian Motmot is one of the species derived from the old taxon Momotus momota, which was split into six species in 2009: Blue-capped Motmot (M. coeruliceps), Lesson's Motmot (M. lessonii), Caribbean Motmot (M. subrufescens), Trinidad Motmot (M. bahamensis), Ecuadorian Motmot (M. aequatorialis) and, of course, the Amazonian Motmot (M. momota). These six species are very similar, but their ranges do not overlap much. The best way to distinguish them is to take note of the place of observation.
The Amazonian Motmot measures between 40 and 45 cm in length, including its tail, and weighs about 145 g. The upper parts are green, going to a bluish hue on the remiges and especially on the tail. The latter has two long central feathers ending in blue oval shapes. The underparts are reddish-orange; the intensity of this color varies in the nine subspecies. Some black feathers can be observed in the center of the breast. The head shows a large black mask that covers the dark red eye and highlights the blue-turquoise crown. The top of the head is black and bordered at the back with royal blue. The mask is bordered by a thin turquoise line. The slightly jagged beak is dark gray, as are the legs. There is no dimorphism between the sexes.