There are 14 species of birds in the Momotidae family. These colorful birds live in the forests and woodlands of Central and South America.

Motmots are about the size of a jay and are easy to recognize by their bright green feathers with blue, black, and reddish-brown markings.

Most motmots have long tails with two extra-long middle feathers. Over time, the barbs on part of these feathers wear away, leaving bare shafts that end in distinctive racquet-shaped tips. The Tody Motmot (Hylomanes momotula) is the only species that does not have this tail shape.

Motmots usually live alone or in pairs, except during the breeding season.

They eat mostly insects, but they also feed on spiders, small lizards, frogs, and fruit. Instead of catching insects in flight, they usually wait on a perch and swoop down to grab prey from the ground or from plants.

Motmots dig nesting tunnels in riverbanks, earthen banks, or embankments, and sometimes nest in caves or rock crevices. The female usually lays 3–4 white eggs. Both parents help incubate the eggs and care for the chicks. Some species nest alone, while others may nest in loose colonies.