Species BirdsRufous Motmot

Rufous Motmot

Baryphthengus martii

UncommonBird
Illustration of Rufous Motmot (Baryphthengus martii)

The Rufous Motmot is a striking bird with a long tail and vibrant rufous plumage. A memorable feature is its unique tail, which has a distinctive racket shape.

Habitat
Inhabits tropical and subtropical forests.
Diet
Feeds on insects and small vertebrates.
How common
Uncommon

Not certain it is a Rufous Motmot? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.

Recent Rufous Motmot sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a Rufous Motmot? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.

Get Huck

Get an alert when a Rufous Motmot is spotted

Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.

Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.

Love birds? Get Huck field notes

Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to receive Huck emails. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. See our Privacy Policy.

More birds

Rufous-backed Robin
Rufous-backed Robin
Turdus rufopalliatus
Rufous-backed Wren
Rufous-backed Wren
Campylorhynchus capistratus
Rufous-bellied Chachalaca
Rufous-bellied Chachalaca
Ortalis wagleri
Rufous-browed Peppershrike
Rufous-browed Peppershrike
Cyclarhis gujanensis
Rufous-capped Brushfinch
Rufous-capped Brushfinch
Atlapetes pileatus
Rufous-capped Warbler
Rufous-capped Warbler
Basileuterus rufifrons
Rufous-collared Sparrow
Rufous-collared Sparrow
Zonotrichia capensis
Rufous-crowned Sparrow
Rufous-crowned Sparrow
Aimophila ruficeps