Lesson's Motmot vs Keel-billed Motmot
Momotus lessonii versus Electron carinatum
Play a quiz with Lesson's Motmot and Keel-billed Motmot
Lesson's Motmot
Keel-billed Motmot
In short
Lesson's Motmot and Keel-billed Motmot can be distinguished primarily by their bills and tail structure. Lesson's Motmot has a broader, more robust bill and a longer tail with racquet tips, while Keel-billed Motmot has a more slender bill and a shorter tail without racquet tips.
Identification tips
1. Bill Shape: Look for the broader, more robust bill of Lesson's Motmot compared to the slender bill of Keel-billed Motmot. 2. Tail Structure: Check for the racquet-tipped tail of Lesson's Motmot, absent in Keel-billed Motmot. 3. Crown Color: Note the blue crown of Lesson's Motmot versus the rufous crown of Keel-billed Motmot. 4. Habitat Preference: Consider the habitat; Lesson's Motmot is more likely in open areas, while Keel-billed prefers dense forests. 5. Vocalization: Listen for the 'whoop' call of Lesson's Motmot.
Size
Both species are similar in size, but Lesson's Motmot appears slightly bulkier due to its broader bill.
Plumage
Lesson's Motmot typically has a blue crown and a greenish body, while Keel-billed Motmot features a more rufous crown and a greenish body. Both have similar green and blue tones, but the crown color is a key difference.
Behaviour
Both species exhibit similar behaviors, such as perching quietly in the understory and making short flights to catch insects.
Habitat
Lesson's Motmot is often found in more open woodlands and edges, while Keel-billed Motmot prefers denser forest interiors.
Voice
Lesson's Motmot has a distinctive 'whoop' call, while Keel-billed Motmot's call is less documented but generally softer and less distinctive.