The Motmots are so called 
because their cry resembles the 
word “mot-mot” frequently re- 
peated. 
The Brazilian Motmot is a 
very solitary bird, being seldom 
seen except by those who care to 
penetrate into the deepest re- 
cesses of the tropical forests. In 
its habits, it is not at all unlike 
the common fly-catcher of Eng- 
land, delighting to sit motionless 
upon a branch that overlooks one 
of the open spaces that are found 
in all forests, or that commands 
a view of a path made by man 
or beast. On its perch it remains 
as still as if carved in wood, and 
sits apparently without thought 
or sensation until a tempting 
insect flies within easy reach. It 
then launches itself upon its prey, 
catches the insect in its bill, and 
returning to its perch, settles 
down again into its former state 
of languid tranquility. The 
Motmot is not formed for long or 
active flight, as its wings are 
short and rounded, and the 
plumage, especially about the 
head, very loosely set. 
Some writers say that the 
Motmots do not confine them- 
selves to such small prey as in- 
sects, but that they steal young 
birds out of their nests, ancl are also in the habit of eating eggs. 
All the Motmots are about the size of the common magpie, and are remark- 
ably handsome birds, their plumage being tinted with green, blue, scarlet, and 
other brilliant colours. 
BRAZILIAN MOTMOT. 
Momotus Braziliensis. 
