Lesson's Motmot vs Broad-billed Motmot

In short

Lesson's Motmot and Broad-billed Motmot can be distinguished primarily by their tail and bill features. Lesson's Motmot has a distinctive racket-tipped tail, while Broad-billed Motmot lacks this feature. Additionally, Broad-billed Motmot has a noticeably broader bill.

Identification tips

1. Look for the racket-tipped tail in Lesson's Motmot, absent in Broad-billed Motmot. 2. Note the broad bill of the Broad-billed Motmot. 3. Observe the blue-green chin and larger chest spot on Broad-billed Motmot. 4. Listen for the nasal groan call of Broad-billed Motmot. 5. Both species can be found in similar habitats, so focus on structural and vocal differences.

Size

Broad-billed Motmot appears chunkier and larger-headed compared to the more streamlined Lesson's Motmot.

Plumage

Lesson's Motmot typically has a more vibrant blue crown and a black mask, while Broad-billed Motmot features a blue-green chin and a larger central chest spot. Both species share a similar overall greenish body color.

Behaviour

Both species exhibit similar perching and sallying behavior typical of motmots, often seen in the mid-levels of forests.

Habitat

Both species inhabit similar forested areas, often overlapping in range, but specific microhabitat preferences may vary.

Voice

Broad-billed Motmot is known for its short, nasal groan call, which differs from the calls of Lesson's Motmot.