Although the IUCN recognizes russet-crowned motmots of least concern for conservation, their habitats are threatened. The suitable nesting sites for russet-crowned motmots are steadily decreasing because of changing climate and human activity. Nest sites are becoming limited because of the higher amount of precipitation associated with climate change which increases the flooding and the collapse of nests. Agricultural use in the Motagua Valley, Guatemala diminishes the available nesting ground of the subspecies M.m. castaneiceps. In addition, fragmented forests increases brood parasitism and predation. The russet-crowned motmot is at risk of becoming endangered if their habitats are not conserved.
