Rufous Potoo
NameRufous Potoo
Common NameRufous Potoo
Scientific NameNyctibius rufus
FamilyNyctibiidae
Wingspan (cm)55
Length (cm)41
Weight (g)215
Plumage DetailsPredominantly rufous (reddish-brown) plumage, often mottled with darker brown and black streaks, and scattered white spots or markings, particularly on the underparts and wing coverts, providing excellent camouflage. It has large, bright yellow eyes.
Vocalization / CallIts call is a deep, mournful, descending series of hoots or whistles, often described as a sad, drawn-out 'poor-me-one' or 'wah-OOH-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh'.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the Amazon basin and other tropical lowland forests of South America, including parts of Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela.
Identifying Featurescryptic rufous plumage, large yellow eyes, upright posture on branches, wide gape for insect catching, nocturnal activity
Description
This nocturnal bird is expertly camouflaged, blending seamlessly with tree branches during the day, often mimicking a broken stump. It perches upright and has large yellow eyes adapted for hunting insects at night.
