The Blue-crowned Motmot Momotus momota, is a colorful bird found in forests and woodlands of eastern Mexico, Central America, norther and central South America, Trinidad and Tobago.

Like most of the Coraciiformes (a group of unusually colorful birds), motmots nest in tunnels in banks, laying about three or four white eggs. These birds often sit still, and in their dense forest habitat can be difficult to see, despite their size. They eat small prey such as insects and lizards, and will also regularly take fruit.

This bird was photographed at the Puenta Leone Hotel. At breakfast, he showed up on a tree branch near us, catching me without my camera. I raced back to get it and Johan kept track of its whereabouts. When I got back it was sitting in a treat waiting to be photographed.

This verified my long time rule: The best way to find a beautiful rare bird is to leave your camera behind.

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