Motmots

If there is a family of birds that is representative of Central America, it is the motmots. This vibrant, beautiful bird originated here in Central America and migrated south. 

There are 9 different species of Motmots in Central and South America, and 6 are represented in Costa Rica. The two most common in Costa Rica are the turquoise-browed and the blue-crowned. The blue-crowned are the easiest to see. The rufous motmot is very shy and hard to spot, and it spends its time in the Caribbean rainforest. Two of the most difficult birds to see, and two of the most wanted for birdwatchers, are the tiny tody motmot and the elusive keel-billed motmot.