How did motmots and todies evolve in the Americas?

The evolution of motmots and todies in the Americas began with the early arrival of ancestral kingfisher stock, which likely crossed the Bering Strait from the Old World. These ancestral populations were once more widespread, with fossil evidence indicating they previously inhabited parts of North America and Europe.1

Over time, these lineages diverged and adapted to specific environments in the New World. Motmots became established in Central and South America, while todies became restricted to the West Indies. Their evolutionary trajectory in the Americas was likely influenced by competition with established Neotropical groups, such as toucans, jacamars, and puffbirds, which may have limited the diversification of Coraciiformes in the region. Today, these groups primarily utilize a "darting from a perch" feeding mode, with todies occupying niches in the Greater Antilles where other coraciiforms are absent.12