Trinidad Motmot

Sightings
Trinidad Motmot Momotus bahamensis is a species only found on Trinidad and Tobago following recent splits. It was recorded on several days of our trip and was found to be more common on Tobago than Trinidad as mentioned by our Tobago guide on several occasions who believed that the species should be renamed Tobago Motmot. This bird was perched on a bare branch at the edge of the Tobago Forest Reserve along the main road which runs through the Reserve.

Species
Trinidad Motmot is a colourful bird endemic to the forests and woodlands of Trinidad and Tobago. These birds often sit still, and in their dense forest habitat can be difficult to see, despite their size. They eat small prey such as insects and lizards, and will also regularly take fruit. Like most of the Coraciiformes, motmots nest in tunnels in banks, laying about three or four white eggs.

Status and Distribution
Trinidad Motmot is a species of least concern with a stable population within a range of 11,700 square kilometres. It was previously known as Blue-crowned Motmot M. momota before this species was split into six new species in 2009.

References
BirdLife; Wikipedia; Kenefick, M., Restall, R., and Hayes, F. (2015) Birds of Trinidad and Tobago, Bloomsbury Publishing, page 170.

Photograph
Taken at the forest edge the bird being in shade with a bright background at 1/100th second, f5.6 and ISO 2500.