Family: Momotidae
Description
Motmots: The common ancestor of all Motmots probably had serrated bills and long central tail feathers that start out looking normal, but with time looses barbs in a subterminal area leading to a "racket-tail". Some of the offspring species have lost either one or both of these ancestral characters.
The development of the Motmots probably started in Mexico where the current highest diversity is, and it also makes sence because their closest relatives are Todys, found in the Greater Antilles.
Taxonomy
Momotidae is a family in the order Coraciiformes.
References
- Dissertation by Dr. Witt read August 2009.
Subcategories
This category has the following 6 subcategories, out of 6 total.
