I know many bird checklists have split the Blue-Crowned Motmot into several species over the past few years. But yet, most motmots in zoos are still labeled as Blue-Crowned Motmots. Which species is being kept? I checked Zootierliste, but it didn't help. Does anyone know?
I believe only the Blue-crowned Motmot is in captivity in (well-known) zoos. I dont know about private facilities or smaller zoos, but i doubt they have some.
I've visited many of the zoos in North America and Europe with blue-crowned, and based on their appearance they're all Amazonian or Lesson's (blue diadem, quite green underparts, relatively small black chest spot, etc). Reviewing a wide range off zoo photos confirms this. They could potentially be hybrids; however, since the split motmot species differ quite distinctly in voice, I suspect hybridization, even in captivity, is rather unlikely to have happened.
I've looked over the 2015 studbook for motmots and there have been about 4 known species imported to the US since the 1930's if memory serves, however only M. momota seems to have been imported in large numbers. Unfortunately there are a large number of animals listed as having been imported simply from "South America" or, even more vaguely, the "Americas", however I would say it's safe to say they're mostly or entirely momota. In the 90's and early 2000's a decent number of animals were imported from Peru, which could represent M. momota ignobilis. There are a couple people who think there have been and might still be other species mixed in. @jayjds2 might have more information, or might correct something I misremembered If anyone wants to review my pics from various zoos I'll be happy to send them! ~Thylo
Momotus momota is certainly kept in private aviculture in Europe. In Europe also russet-crowned motmot(Momotus mexicanus) is kept in private aviculture. Interesting birds, much smaller than M. momota
