With its swinging tail, electric colors, and elusive nature, the motmot is one of Costa Rica’s most enchanting birds — and a must-see for wildlife lovers visiting the country. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or simply a curious traveler, spotting one of these tropical beauties in the wild is an unforgettable experience.
How Many Motmot Species Are in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is home to six different species of motmot, but the one you’re most likely to encounter is the Turquoise-browed Motmot — famous for its glowing green-blue plumage and signature racket-shaped tail. These birds thrive in tropical forest edges, gardens, and even archaeological sites, making them surprisingly accessible with the right guide.
Top 3 Places to Spot a Motmot in Costa Rica
If you’re hoping to add a motmot sighting to your life list, don’t miss these three prime motmot habitats — all of which we include in our Reefs to Rockies itineraries:
- Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve – A birder’s paradise where multiple motmot species overlap, including the stunning Broad-billed Motmot.
- Manuel Antonio National Park – This coastal rainforest is home to both motmots and squirrel monkeys, which often forage in the same areas — giving you a double wildlife win!
- Rincón de la Vieja National Park – A lesser-known gem in Guanacaste where motmots perch in volcanic forest clearings — often just a few feet away.
Our local naturalist guides know exactly where to look (and what call to listen for), making your chances of a close encounter even better.
Fun Facts About the Magnificent Motmot
- They swing their tails like a pendulum — a behavior thought to signal confidence to predators, as if to say: “I see you, and I’m not worried.”
- Motmots follow squirrel monkeys through the forest during the wet season, swooping in to catch insects and small creatures stirred up by the monkeys’ foraging.
- Motmots dig long tunnels in earthen banks to build their nests — sometimes over a meter deep!
Whether you’re planning your first trip to Costa Rica or returning for another round of rainforest magic, motmots are just one of the unforgettable species waiting to be discovered. Ready to plan your own wildlife-rich escape? Let Reefs to Rockies craft a custom Costa Rica itinerary that brings you closer to the creatures you came to see. Contact us for a complimentary consultation.