The family Momotidae, within the order Coraciiformes, comprises the motmots, a group of colorful, tropical birds found primarily in Central and South America. Motmots are medium-sized, forest-dwelling birds recognizable by their long tails, often with racket-shaped tips, and vibrant plumage in shades of green, blue, and rufous. They are omnivorous, feeding on insects, small vertebrates, and fruit, and are known for their slow, deliberate movements and unique wagging tail displays. Motmots typically nest in burrows dug into earthen banks or slopes, demonstrating a distinctive reproductive strategy compared to many other passerine birds. These birds play an important ecological role as both predators of insects and dispersers of seeds, contributing to the health and diversity of tropical forests.