Why the Toh Bird is Yucatán’s Most Beloved Avian FriendAsk locals which is the most iconic of the native birds of the Yucatán peninsula; there is little doubt that the answer for most would be, “pues claro que el pajaro toh"
Beautiful tropical birds are constantly aflutter in Yucatán, especially during the rainy season. There are common species like social flycatchers, which sport bright yellow chests and black stripes across their eyes, and elegant pink flamingos that grace the coastline. Then there is the pandemonium of parrots (yes, that’s what they are called) who make themselves heard loudly during mornings and evenings across much of Mérida. But be they common or rare, each brings its own special dash of magic to this lush land.
Ask locals which is the most iconic of the native birds of the Yucatán peninsula; there is little doubt that the answer for most would be, “pues claro que el pajaro toh.” Belonging to the motmot family, the Toh has several features that give it a regal status. For this reason, even though keeping caged birds is increasingly unusual, the sight of a caged Toh is particularly offensive.
Near the end of the twin stems of the Toh’s twin tails, known as barbs, its plumage ceases, only to burst dramatically in a multicolored tear shape resembling a double pendulum. This, their most identifiable feature, which they swing back and forth, makes spotting the Toh reasonably easy despite its otherwise shy nature.
According to local legend, the bald spot on the Toh’s tail resulted from its hubris: One day, a powerful storm approached, and its inflated ego prevented it from getting to work on building a shelter, opting instead to rise high in the foliage above all other birds. After the storm, the Toh emerged, and all other birds began to mock it, chirping, “Your precious tail, it is ruined!” But given its proud nature, the Toh shrugged off the mockery and stood proud, swinging its tail back and forth in a way that even the Macaws and Toucans had to admit bashfully was magnificent.
The Blue-capped Tho is the most common in the region and can be spotted in large numbers near bodies of water. But this does not mean you must leave the city to catch a glimpse. If you keep your eyes peeled, they can be observed in city parks like Ya’axal in the west of Mérida or Chen Hó, more to the east.
Because the blue-capped Toh has such colorful plumage, with bright greens, blues, yellow, and orange, when viewed from different angles, it can appear to be a different subspecies. Juveniles and females tend to display less vibrant colors, which can also cause confusion.
The only other species of Toh found in the Yucatán Peninsula is the Russet-crowned Motmot (Momotus mexicanus), which boasts a striking rufous crown and nape, contrasting beautifully with its emerald-green back and wings. The primary feathers shimmer with a blue-green hue, while its underparts feature a soft green chest (adorned with a distinctive black spot) and a paler, almost creamy underbelly. They can also be identified by their brown or black beaks that have a slightly serrated edge and curve downwards.
For nesting, motmots transform into skilled engineers, excavating impressive tunnel nests up to five meters long in earthen banks or rotten wood using their sturdy beaks. Both parents share digging duties and chick-rearing responsibilities in these simple, undecorated burrows. Their vocal communications range from the Russet-crowned soft hoo-doot to the Blue-capped deeper hoop-hoop calls, often accompanied by non-vocal sounds produced through tail movements.
These birds maintain complex social behaviors, typically living in monogamous pairs and defending territories through dramatic displays of feather puffing and bill snapping. Their excellent UV vision helps locate hidden prey, while panting serves as their primary cooling mechanism in tropical heat.
Despite being relatively common, spotting a Toh rarely goes unremarked. My wife and I often brag about how many of these elegant birds we could spot during our evening runs.
Senior Editor Carlos Rosado van der Gracht is a journalist, photographer and adventure leader. Born in Mérida, Carlos holds degrees from universities in Mexico, Canada, and Norway.
