Momotidae

views updated May 11 2018

Momotidae (motmots; class Aves, order Coraciiformes) A family of mainly bright green and blue birds which have black ear patches. They have strong, decurved bills and syndactylous feet, and in most the two, long, central tail feathers have bare shafts and racquet-shaped tips. Motmots are found in forests, feed on insects and fruit, and nest in holes in banks. There are six genera, with nine species, found in tropical Central and S. America.

motmots

views updated May 14 2018

motmots See CORACIIFORMES; MOMOTIDAE.