Alphabetical list

Motmots occur from Mexico to Argentina. They belong to beautifully colored birds of medium size (weight up to 200 grams, body length up to 50 cm, the tail is approximately 30 cm of that). Its name comes from the characteristic bill, which serrated edges look like a saw. Its decorative two tail feathers with distinctive oval-shaped tips at the ends look incredibly. It is not easy to observe and photograph a motmot  in its natural environment. As usual a bit of luck is needed and useful hints of local guides.

It lives in northern Europe and Asia. In Poland only migrations of small flocks have been spotted. I managed to see a small flock in Świnoujście in October. Twites were not especially shy. If you maintain an about 10 meter distance you can photograph them, but it did not last too long. Every now and then the flock flew away, but not too far and it was worth waiting to follow them to their next feeding site. The size and behavior reminds me of the recently photographed the Red-fronted Serin.

Hummingbirds-text common to species photographed in Ecuador

As with the kelp goose, I managed to meet the upland goose several times, also with their quite numerous progeny. The gallery got much richer and varied look. Male of the upland goose, like of the kelp goose, is snow-white, at least on the head and neck. Female is rusty-brown, slightly smaller than the male. All images were taken in Patagonia, near Ushuaia. These both geese, until recently, were regularly exterminating in Argentina. They were considered as competitors for sheep in pastures and as pests in the cereal-growing areas. Both species have similar weight.