Trinidad Motmot

Momotus bahamensis (Swainson, 1838)

Momotidae — Motmots

Trinidad Motmot, Momotus bahamensis, breeds in Trinidad and Tobago in South America and is a member of the motmot family in the order Coraciiformes. It lives in forests and woodlands on both islands, and is more common in Tobago than in Trinidad. The bird is known for its colourful plumage, heavy bill and black eye-mask, with blue-black racquet tails. It also has deep rufous underparts with a paler breast and an olive-green wash. Its low, owl-like hoot is another notable feature.

Order
Coraciiformes
Family
Momotidae — Motmots
Breeding range
South America: Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad Motmot
© Mike's Birds · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0

Tours where you can spot this bird

9 tours in Trinidad and Tobago 8, Costa Rica 1

Costa Rica Escape Part II: Caribbean Foothills and Wetlands
Costa Rica Escape Part II: Caribbean Foothills and Wetlands
Costa Rica / San José Group tour 9 days

A nine-day Costa Rica birding journey through Arenal, northern border wetlands and Tenorio foothill forest, with boat excursions and targets...

From USD 5,960 Next: Feb 21, 2027
Private Short Trinidad and Tobago Birding Extension
Private Short Trinidad and Tobago Birding Extension
Trinidad and Tobago / Port of Spain Private tour 7 days

A compact private Trinidad and Tobago extension for rainforest, Caroni Swamp, hummingbirds and island endemics....

Main Ridge Rainforest Birding and Nature Tour
Main Ridge Rainforest Birding and Nature Tour
Trinidad and Tobago / Main Ridge, Tobago Private tour 6h

A half-day exploration of Tobago’s north-coast forest corridor, combining scenic roadside stops with a guided walk on Main Ridge’s Gilpi...

From USD 80
Bird Photography Tour of Trinidad and Tobago with Faraaz Abdool
Bird Photography Tour of Trinidad and Tobago with Faraaz Abdool
Trinidad and Tobago / Trinidad and Tobago Group tour

A January 2027 Trinidad and Tobago bird photography tour with Faraaz Abdool, focused on island specialties, tropical forest birds, wetland p...

Custom Trinidad and Tobago Birding Package with Zee
Custom Trinidad and Tobago Birding Package with Zee
Trinidad and Tobago / Trinidad and Tobago Private tour

Design a Trinidad and Tobago birding package around your dates and priorities, combining Tobago seabirds, rainforest and coast with wider is...

Tobago Caribbean Coast Birding and Nature Tour with Zee
Tobago Caribbean Coast Birding and Nature Tour with Zee
Trinidad and Tobago / Tobago Coast Private tour 1 day

Explore a flexible section of Tobago’s Caribbean coast for seabirds, shorebirds, viewpoints and island wildlife, with stops chosen for cur...

Main Ridge Rainforest Birding and Nature Hike with Zee
Main Ridge Rainforest Birding and Nature Hike with Zee
Trinidad and Tobago / Main Ridge, Tobago Private tour 1 day

Walk Tobago’s Main Ridge rainforest with a local guide, adjusting the trail and pace for endemic birds, hummingbirds, weather and particip...

Little Tobago and St. Giles Seabird Tour with Zee
Little Tobago and St. Giles Seabird Tour with Zee
Trinidad and Tobago / Speyside, Tobago Private tour 1 day

Look for Tobago’s offshore seabirds from Speyside on a private route toward Little Tobago and St. Giles, adding gentle island trail birdin...

Trinidad and Tobago 10-Day Birding and Eco-Lodge Experience
Trinidad and Tobago 10-Day Birding and Eco-Lodge Experience
Trinidad and Tobago / Trinidad and Tobago Private tour 10 days

An on-request 10-day, two-island Trinidad and Tobago birding journey using eco-lodges and major birding hotspots from Caroni to Grande Rivie...