motmot

[ mot-mot ]

noun

1. any of several tropical and subtropical American birds of the family Momotidae, related to the kingfishers, having a serrate bill and chiefly greenish and bluish plumage.

motmot

/ ˈmɒtmɒt /

noun

1. any tropical American bird of the family Momotidae, having a long tail and blue and brownish-green plumage: order Coraciiformes (kingfishers, etc)

Word History and Origins

Origin of motmot¹

First recorded in 1625–35; from Latin American Spanish, from New Latin motmot; repetitive compound of imitative origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of motmot¹

C19: from American Spanish, imitative of the bird's call

Example Sentences

Eumomota superciliosa superciliosa (Sandbach): Turquoise-browed Motmot.

From Project Gutenberg

When the Mexican motmot trims his two tail feathers with his beak, he merely makes diamond cut diamond.

From Project Gutenberg

Such is, no doubt, the manner in which the Motmot feeds; but his strong confirmation enables him to capture larger game.

From Project Gutenberg