Welcome back, nature enthusiasts, to another exciting encounter with the incredible avian residents of Costa Rica! Today, we venture into the heart of the rainforest to meet a dazzling denizen of the understory, the Broad-billed Motmot (Electron platyrhynchum).
A Burst of Color in the Green Embrace
Imagine this: You’re deep within the Costa Rican rainforest, sunlight dappling the lush foliage. A flash of rufous catches your eye, perched motionless on a mid-story branch. As you approach cautiously, the bird reveals itself: the Broad-billed Motmot.
This stunning songbird boasts a captivating plumage. Its head, neck, and chest are a warm cinnamon-rufous, offset by a bold black mask and breast spot. The lower body transitions beautifully from greenish above to a cool, inviting blue below. The long tail, a signature of the motmot family, graduates from blue to black, adding a touch of elegance.
A Creature of Habit
The Broad-billed Motmot is a fairly common resident of Central and South American rainforests, with Costa Rica being a prime location to spot them. These non-migratory birds are relatively sedentary, meaning they tend to stay put in their chosen territory. So, if you’re lucky enough to find one, there’s a good chance you’ll see it again on your rainforest walks.
A Keen Eye for Lunch
While the Broad-billed Motmot may appear to be perched motionless, don’t be fooled! This little hunter is patiently waiting for its next insect prey. With its keen eyesight and broad, serrated beak (hence the name!), it snatches grasshoppers, beetles, and other invertebrates with impressive accuracy.
Interestingly, some Broad-billed Motmots in Central America, including those you might see at our Costa Rican retreat, exhibit a unique behavior – the “racquet tail.” The outer feathers on their tails are deliberately shortened, creating a distinctive racket-shaped silhouette. The purpose of this modification remains a topic of debate among bird enthusiasts, with theories ranging from better maneuverability during flight to visual displays for attracting mates.
A Family Affair
The Broad-billed Motmot is a social bird, often seen in pairs or even small family groups. They’re cooperative breeders, with both parents taking turns incubating the clutch of 3-4 eggs and raising the chicks. This teamwork ensures the survival of their young in the competitive environment of the rainforest.
Spotting the Broad-billed Motmot at our Retreat
Our secluded location in the Costa Rican mountains provides the perfect habitat for the Broad-billed Motmot. Keep your eyes peeled as you explore the rainforest trails, and with a little patience, you might just catch a glimpse of this vibrant wonder.
Beyond the Blog
For the ultimate Broad-billed Motmot encounter, come experience the magic of Costa Rica firsthand! Our retreat offers guided nature walks led by expert birding enthusiasts who can help you identify this fascinating bird and countless others.
Join us and create memories that will last a lifetime amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Costa Rican rainforest!
For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica
