Welcome back, birding enthusiasts, to another feathered friend gracing our Costa Rican mountain retreat! Today, we turn our binoculars to a vibrant resident of the dryer lowlands and forest edges – the captivating Turquoise-browed Motmot (Eumomota superciliosa).
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This medium-sized bird, a true gem of the Motmot family, is anything but shy. Often perched prominently on wires, fences, or open branches, the Turquoise-browed Motmot is a sight to behold. Its plumage is a symphony of color – a stunning turquoise adorns its brow, wings, and tail, while a vibrant green covers its back and breast. Accents of orange peek through on its throat and underparts, making it a truly unforgettable spectacle.
But the Turquoise-browed Motmot isn’t just a pretty face. This little hunter is an expert insectivore, scanning the landscape from its perch for unsuspecting grasshoppers, beetles, and lizards. Once spotted, the motmot dives with lightning speed, its strong beak leaving no room for escape.
Listen closely, and you might be treated to the motmot’s unique vocalizations. Its call, a loud, nasal croak, is quite distinct and carries far through the rainforest. This call, along with the bird’s characteristic tail-wagging, serves a dual purpose: attracting mates and deterring predators with a “look at how big and scary I am” display!
Speaking of the tail, the Turquoise-browed Motmot has a fascinating quirk. Unlike other birds with symmetrical tails, this motmot purposely decorates its own! It deliberately breaks off the outer feathers of its tail, leaving only the bare rachis (shaft) with a distinctive black knob at the tip. Theories abound for this curious behavior, with some suggesting it helps with camouflage or serves as a signal to potential mates.
The Turquoise-browed Motmot, also known locally as “momoto cejiceleste” (meaning “sky-browed motmot”), is a beloved resident of Costa Rica. They are even called “pájaro reloj” (clock bird) by some due to their constant tail-bobbing, a motion reminiscent of a pendulum. These birds are commonly found in the drier areas of Costa Rica, particularly along the Pacific coast and the northern plains. While you might not see them from our mountain retreat itself, a trip to these stunning lowlands is sure to reward you with a sighting of this dazzling avian acrobat.
So, keep your eyes peeled and your ears tuned as you explore the diverse ecosystems of Costa Rica. With a bit of luck, you might just encounter the turquoise wonder, the one and only Turquoise-browed Motmot!
For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica
