Broad-billed Motmot (Electron platyrhynchum)

Identification & Behavior: ~35.3 cm (14 in). The Broad-billed Motmot has rufous head and breast with a characteristic blue-green chin. The rest of the body is green.  As with other motmots, it has a very long tail. It is best distinguished from the similar Rufous Motmot by being smaller in size, having a bi-colored green and rufous underparts, and a reduced face mask. The Broad-billed Motmot is the smallest of the Amazonian motmots.

Status: The Broad-billed Motmot is uncommon in terra firme forest where it sits motionless and can be difficult to detect. It ranges to elevations of up to 1000 m along the foothill of the Andes. It also occurs in Co, Ec, Br, and Bo.

Name in Spanish: Relojero de Pico Ancho.

Sub-species: Broad-billed Motmot (Electron platyrhynchum) Leadbeater, 1829.

Meaning of Name: Electron: Gr. Elektron=amber color. platyrhynchum: Gr. Platurhunkhos= wide bill.  In reference to a rufous cinnamon color and wide bill of a Broad-billed Motmot.

See more of the Family Momotidae