Friday, February 13, 2015

Creature Feature #482: Motmot

The Motmot Family are closely related to Kingfishers and Bee-eaters. They occur in the neotropics - both in forests and woodland. He is distinguished from his relatives by his broad bill and - in many species -  the racquet-like feathers that adorn his tail feathers. These are created by abrasion and preening, causing the barbs to fall out, leaving only a naked shaft and a distinctive tip. When he sights a predator, he will wag his tail to show the predator that he is aware of the danger and ready to take flight. His diet is an omnivorous one, including fruit, insects and amphibians. Motmots in Costa Rica have even been observed feeding on Poison Dart Frogs.

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