La mota rufo (Baryphthengus martii) tiene el cuerpo verde, el capirote rufo y la cola larga y puntiaguda. Mide unos 35 centímetros de longitud. Es un gran habitante de los bosques al que le gusta permanecer inmóvil. Es muy similar a la motmot de pico ancho, de menor tamaño; obsérvese su mayor tamaño, la barbilla rufo y un rufo más extenso en el vientre. A menudo se encuentra solo o en parejas en el interior del bosque, normalmente bajo el dosel. Escuche el profundo grito "woo-doop", a veces emitido como una sola llamada o a veces como una carcajada continua.
Hábitats y distribución
The Rufous Motmot primarily inhabits lowland tropical forests and can often be found in dense, humid evergreen forests as well as forest edges, secondary forests, and sometimes plantations. This species prefers areas with plenty of canopy cover, flying between trees and often residing in the mid to lower levels of the forest. It thrives in regions with a rich presence of insect prey and fruits, and sometimes ventures near streams or rivers within or adjacent to these forested areas. Geographically, the Rufous Motmot is distributed across a significant part of Central and South America. Its range extends from southern Mexico through Central America, including countries such as Belize, Costa Rica, Panama, and into the northern and western regions of South America, including Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela. Throughout its range, the bird is generally found at elevations up to 1,500 meters, although it is most commonly seen at lower altitudes.
Comportamiento y reproducción
Rufous Motmots exhibit monogamous mating habits, typically forming long-term pairs. These pairs are territorial and often engage in mutual preening as part of their bonding process. Their courtship displays involve vocal duets and synchronized tail movements, which help in strengthening pair bonds and deterring rival pairs from their territory. During the breeding season, which usually coincides with the onset of the rainy season, Rufous Motmots excavate burrows in earthen banks or forest floor, where they lay their eggs. Both parents share the responsibility of incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks once they hatch. The social structure of Rufous Motmots is centered around these mated pairs, which maintain and defend their territory together. One unique reproductive strategy they employ is the use of their long bills and robust bodies to dig extensive horizontal tunnels, which can be quite deep, providing a safe nesting site away from many predators. This not only shields the eggs and chicks but also may help in thermoregulation inside the nest burrow.
Dieta
Insectos, pequeños vertebrados y frutos.
Colores
Cabeza y pecho rufo-anaranjado con máscara y mancha pectoral negras. Dorso verde y cola larga.
Datos curiosos
Son conocidos por su singular exhibición de cortejo, en la que mueven la cola hacia delante y hacia atrás como un péndulo. A menudo se les ve posados inmóviles durante largos periodos, escudriñando su entorno en busca de presas. La mota rufo es una especie de ave de tamaño mediano con un característico color rufo y una larga cola en punta de raqueta.
Estado y esfuerzos de conservación
The Rufous Motmot (Baryphthengus martii) is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN due to its wide distribution across Central and South America. However, its population is thought to be decreasing, primarily due to habitat loss and fragmentation resulting from deforestation for agriculture, logging, and human settlement expansion. Although it has a relatively large range, these anthropogenic activities significantly impact its habitat quality and availability. Conservation efforts for the Rufous Motmot include habitat protection and restoration initiatives. Protected areas such as national parks and reserves within its range play a crucial role in safeguarding its environment. Additionally, reforestation projects and sustainable land-use practices are being promoted to counteract habitat destruction. Continued monitoring and research are essential to understand population dynamics and to adapt conservation strategies effectively.
