Blue-crowned Motmot

Motmotus momota 18"

© Photograph courtesy Dr. Russell Barrow

This is a fairly common bird in Tobago, where it can be seen in abandoned cocoa plantations and forest edges. The small cocoa estate outside of the entrance to the Arnos Vale Hotel in Tobago is the most reliable place to see this bird at close range. It will permit fairly close human approach if this is done quietly and slowly. The unusually long tail with expanded "racquet" ends, and the head colours, contrasting shades of blue, make this a truly magnificent bird and a treat for any bird-watcher.