Birds · Coraciiformes · Momotidae

Amazonian Motmot

Momotus momota

Least Concern

The species is abundant and widely distributed; it faces no significant short-term risk. See full glossary

The Amazonian motmot, also called the pendulum bird, is an intensely coloured bird, green and turquoise with a black mask and a blue crown, famous for its tail: the two central feathers end in rackets separated from the rest by a bare stretch, and the bird swings them from side to side like a pendulum while perched.

Weight

100 g – 140 g

Size

38 cm – 43 cm

Lifespan

14 years

Diet

Omnivore

Combines animal and plant food depending on availability.

Activity

Diurnal

Active mainly during the day.

Social structure

In pairs

Usually lives in pairs, sometimes for life.

Sighting difficulty

Easy

RainforestOmnivore Diurnal In pairs Bird Rainforest

13countries 44parks

Fun facts

anatomíaIt trims the central feathers of its own tail with its bill into their characteristic racket shape, rather than their growing that way.
The rackets on its tail do not grow that way: the barbs along the middle stretch are weaker and come away with preening and wear, leaving the shaft bare and the racket at the tip.
It swings its tail like a pendulum while perched, and studies suggest this is a signal aimed at predators: it tells them they have been spotted and that chasing it will be pointless.
It nests in tunnels it digs into earth banks, sometimes more than a metre and a half long, and pairs can spend months digging before laying.

Life cycle & biology

Skeleton type: Vertebrate - internal bony skeleton (bird)
Habitat & environment: Understorey of rainforest, secondary forest, coffee plantations and gardens of tropical America
Sexual maturity: 12 months
Gestation / incubation: 21 days
Litter / clutch size: 3 eggs

Sources consulted: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amazonian_motmot