There are nine species of birds in this family. They are found in the forests of Central and South America.

Motmots are jay-sized and brightly colored. Most are green with reddish, blue, and black markings.

All motmots, except for the tody motmot, have long tails. Most species have two middle feathers on their tails that are longer than the rest of the tail feathers. These two feathers have about an inch or more of bare shaft that ends in a racquet-shaped tip.

Motmots are solitary, except during the mating season.

They eat mostly insects that they catch in flight, but they also eat small reptiles and fruit.

Motmots build their nests in river banks, caves, or rock crevices. The female usually lays four eggs. Both the male and the female care for the chicks. Some species of motmot nest in colonies.