What is El Salvador's National Animal?
The Turquoise-browed Motmot
Quick Species Overview
Why is the Turquoise-browed Motmot the National Animal of El Salvador?
El Salvador chose the Turquoise-browed Motmot as a national animal because of how closely it is tied to the country's landscape and identity. El Salvador shares the torogoz with Nicaragua as its national bird. As a bird, the Turquoise-browed Motmot features in El Salvador's folklore, national seals and public monuments, where it is credited with traits of endurance, independence and pride.
Across national holidays, sovereign heraldry, and public monuments, the Turquoise-browed Motmot stands as a beloved guardian representing the courage and identity of El Salvador.
Key Wildlife & Ecological Facts
Its scientific name is Momotus mexicanus.
The Turquoise-browed Motmot is a bird recorded across El Salvador's national parks and protected areas, and El Salvador uses it as a shorthand for the country's natural heritage.
Conservation groups in El Salvador use the Turquoise-browed Motmot in education campaigns, which is part of why it has stayed in public view for so long.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the official national animal of El Salvador?
The official national animal of El Salvador is the Turquoise-browed Motmot (scientific name: Momotus mexicanus).
Why was the Turquoise-browed Motmot chosen as the symbol of El Salvador?
El Salvador chose the Turquoise-browed Motmot as a national animal because of how closely it is tied to the country's landscape and identity. El Salvador shares the torogoz with Nicaragua as its national bird. As a bird, the Turquoise-browed Motmot features in El Salvador's folklore, national seals and public monuments, where it is credited with traits of endurance, independence and pride.
Is the Turquoise-browed Motmot endangered?
The conservation status of the Turquoise-browed Motmot is currently recognized as Least Concern.
What is the scientific name of the El Salvador national animal?
The Turquoise-browed Motmot is Momotus mexicanus. It is classified as a bird in North America.
Is the Turquoise-browed Motmot the only national animal in North America?
No. The Turquoise-browed Motmot is used by 2 countries in total: El Salvador plus Nicaragua.
Can you guess El Salvador on the 3D globe?
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Other countries that chose the Turquoise-browed Motmot
The Turquoise-browed Motmot is the national animal of 2 countries in total, not just El Salvador. That overlap is common in heraldry, where neighbouring states and former colonies often share a symbol taken from the same regional tradition.