Great Potoo
Image: Brunno Thadeu (cc-by-nc)
NameGreat Potoo
Common NameGreat Potoo
Scientific NameNyctibius grandis
FamilyNyctibiidae
Wingspan (cm)75
Length (cm)54
Weight (g)500
Plumage DetailsMottled grey, brown, and black plumage with fine streaking and vermiculations across its body, providing superb cryptic camouflage against tree bark. The underparts are generally paler with dark streaks.
Vocalization / CallA deep, mournful, booming 'BAAAOO-oh-oh-oh-oh' or 'poor-me-one' call that descends in pitch and fades away, often heard at night.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatstropical rainforest, gallery forest, forest edge, secondary growth
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in humid tropical and subtropical forests from southern Mexico through Central America and across much of northern and central South America, east of the Andes, down to northern Argentina.
Identifying Featureslarge eyes, wide gape (mouth), cryptic plumage, upright posture, nocturnal, mimics tree stump
Description
The Great Potoo is a large, nocturnal bird renowned for its exceptional camouflage, allowing it to blend seamlessly with tree stumps or broken branches. It maintains an upright posture during the day, mimicking part of the tree, and hunts large flying insects at night.
