About Momotus momota (Linnaeus, 1766)
The Amazonian motmot (Momotus momota) has plumage that varies between its different subspecies. All subspecies have bodies in shades of green, and all possess a long tail with extended feathers that have green or black racquet tips. Most individuals have a black eyemask, though the size and shape of this marking differs between subspecies. The central part of the crown is black, and is surrounded or partially bordered by a blue band. The nominate subspecies has a chestnut-colored nape. Subspecies Momotus momota ignobilis and M. m. cametensis have more extensive chestnut coloring on the neck and face. The Amazonian motmot is widely distributed across South America east of the Andes mountain range. Nine subspecies are currently recognized, each with their own ranges: Momotus momota momota is found in eastern Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and northern Brazil; M. m. microstephanus is found in southeastern Colombia, eastern Ecuador, and northwestern Brazil; M. m. ignobilis is found in eastern Peru and western Brazil; M. m. nattereri is found in northeastern Bolivia; M. m. simplex is found in western to west central Brazil south of the Amazon; M. m. cametensis is found in north central Brazil; M. m. parensis is found in northeastern Brazil; M. m. marcgravianus is found in eastern Brazil; M. m. pilcomajensis is found in southern Bolivia, southern Brazil, and northwestern Argentina. Across its entire range, the Amazonian motmot lives in the interior and edges of humid lowland forest. It can be found at elevations up to 1,200 m (3,900 ft) in Venezuela, up to 1,000 m (3,300 ft) in Ecuador, and up to 750 m (2,460 ft) in Peru.
