Etymology: Motmot

[Elkelon]

Motmot is a bird from Central and South America. I only know it is an onomatopoeic word, but... which language does it come from? Someone help me, please.

 

[Chazzwozzer]

Hi Elkelon,

The OED dictionary of mine tells me that the English word motmot comes from Latin American Spanish, of imitative origin (19th century).

 

[Elkelon]

Hi Elkelon,

The OED dictionary of mine tells me that the English word motmot comes from Latin American Spanish, of imitative origin (19th century).

Thank you Chazz,
but it is strange. I know that motmot in Latin American Spanish is named jut-jut or pàjaro toh (even if this is another species), so I thought it was the English onomatopoeic word for this bird or a word derived from a pre-Columbian language.

Thanks again.
Bye

PS: If someone else has more informations...