In the tropical forests of Panama, where sunlight filters through thick canopies and the air resonates with the sounds of wildlife, a striking bird often perches on low branches, its vivid colors dazzling in the light. This is the Whopping Motmot (Momotus subrufescens), one of the most mesmerizing species in the motmot family, known for its bold colors and unique tail feathers.

At first glance, the Whopping Motmot is hard to miss. With its rich green body, electric blue crown, and chestnut undertones, this bird is a radiant display of color. But perhaps its most distinctive feature is its tail: long, iridescent, and tipped with flattened "whops" that seem to have been crafted by nature’s own hand. These tail feathers, with their unique shape, are a defining characteristic of the species and are used in intricate displays during courtship.

The Whopping Motmot prefers the lowland forests of Panama and can often be found in both primary and secondary forests, where it spends its time hunting from perches and darting out to snatch insects, small reptiles, and fruits. True to its motmot lineage, it has a particular fondness for lizards and is an expert at catching them with a swift strike. Its behavior is equally as striking, with its long tail feathers occasionally swaying back and forth in a mesmerizing motion, often while the bird remains perfectly still on a branch.

Though generally solitary or found in pairs, the Whopping Motmot has a distinctive call—a deep, resonating “whop” that echoes through the forest, adding to the bird's mystical presence. It is a bird of humid, rich forests, preferring the lowland and foothill regions, and is often heard long before it is seen, a reminder of the wonders that lie hidden in the heart of Panama's ecosystems.

However, like many species in the region, the Whopping Motmot faces pressures from deforestation and the destruction of its natural habitat. The conservation of Panama's forests, particularly the tropical lowlands, is crucial for preserving this magnificent bird and the biodiversity that surrounds it.

Source:

Hilty, S. L. (2003). Birds of Venezuela. Princeton University Press.

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