GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Motmots are found from northeastern Mexico through most of tropical South America, as far as northern Argentina. Honduras contains seven species, while Mexico, Guatemala, and Nicaragua each have six species. Venezuela, the Guianas, and Suriname have only one species.
HABITAT
Motmots are mainly found in tropical or mountainous forests and woodlands. Although most species are lowland dwellers, the blue-throated motmot ranges from 4,900 to 10,000 feet (1,500 to 3,100 meters) in middle America, and the highland motmot ranges between 4,100 and 7,200 feet (1,250 and 2,200 meters) in the South American Andes. Most motmots inhabit the midstory or understory (rather than the overstory, or highest trees) of forests or woodlands.
MOTMOTS AND PEOPLE
People use motmot tail feathers and wings for ornamentation.
CONSERVATION STATUS
One species is Vulnerable, facing a high risk of extinction, dying out: the keel-billed motmot. Habitat destruction is a concern for all species as the destruction of forests and woodlands continues unabated.
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