Habitat: This motmot species favors forest, second-growth woodland habitats. Distribution: Species reported from Nicaragua to western Ecuador and western Amazonia. Natural History Notes: Like other motmots, Rufouses feed mostly on large insects, but will also consume fruit and the occasional small vertebrate. One time, Master (1999) saw one Rufous Motmot feed a black-and-green poison dart frog to another. He did not observe any adverse effects. The species is seen singly or in pairs in lower growth. A stressed-out individual swings its tail back and forth like a pendulum, and executes an abrupt about-face on its perch. Call it silly but it sure is healthier than what you do. Its call, heard most often just before dawn, is a loud, resonant, rhythmic, owl-like hooting, " ho-hoo-ho " or "hoo-doo-doo", often repeated and echoed by other individuals, sometimes varied and accelerated into a roll. Characteristics: The total length of this species is 18 inches (measured from tip of bill to end of tail). The tail is long and has a particularely, having a racquet shape toward the tip of the tail. However, this species can be mostly recognized by the bright rufous coloration of the head, neck and underparts. We can also distinguish a broad black mask around the eyes and two black spots on the chest. Then, the part above is green, as well as the lower part of the belly. There is also some violet on the wings. Notes: Conservation status according to IUCN 2008 Red list: Least Concern (LC). It is a resident species.