Common Potoo
Nyctibius griseus
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Common Potoo is a medium-sized nocturnal bird with cryptic plumage. Its mottled grey-brown colouration, complete with darker streaks and spots, provides excellent camouflage against tree bark. Large, yellow eyes and a wide, frog-like mouth are distinctive features.
Both sexes look similar, with no significant seasonal plumage changes. Juveniles resemble adults but may have a slightly paler, fluffier appearance.
Size
Length
33cm to 38cm
Wingspan
79cm to 91cm
Weight
160g to 380g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Grey Brown
Secondary Colour
White Buff
Beak Colour
Brown
Leg Colour
Grey
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Common Potoos inhabit a wide range of wooded habitats across Central and South America, from southern Mexico to northern Argentina. They prefer semi-open areas in tropical and subtropical forests, including forest edges and clearings.
These birds are non-migratory and maintain year-round territories. They are absent from the high Andes and the Amazon basin's densest forests, preferring areas with some open space for foraging.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 1,800 meters
Climate zones
Tropical, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Common Potoo. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Excellent nocturnal manoeuvrability and precision in catching flying insects. The Common Potoo's ability to swoop from a stationary position and capture fast-moving prey demonstrates remarkable agility, whilst their capacity to rotate their heads nearly 180 degrees adds to their dynamic movement capabilities.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Moderate strength relative to size. Whilst capable of catching insects and occasionally small bats in flight, their physical power is modest. Their lightweight build (160-380g) suggests they're built more for agile hunting than raw strength.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Exceptional adaptability evidenced by their remarkable camouflage abilities, wide elevation range (sea level to 1,800m), and diverse habitat tolerance across Central and South America. Their specialised eyelid slits for detecting movement whilst appearing dormant further demonstrates their sophisticated adaptations.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Generally non-aggressive birds that prefer solitary living. Whilst they will defend their territory during breeding season, they rely more on camouflage and avoidance than confrontation. Their hunting style is opportunistic rather than aggressive.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Good endurance for their nocturnal hunting strategy, maintaining regular night-time foraging activities. Their ability to remain motionless for extended periods during daylight hours, combined with their non-migratory nature, suggests solid stamina, though not exceptional by avian standards.
Diet
Common Potoos are insectivores, primarily feeding on flying insects such as moths, beetles, and flying termites.
They hunt by sitting motionless on a perch, then swooping out to catch prey in flight with their large mouths. Occasionally, they may consume small bats or birds.
Behaviour
Common Potoos are masters of camouflage, often perching motionless on tree stumps or branches during the day, mimicking broken branches. At night, they become active, flying out to catch insects.
These solitary birds are rarely seen in groups except during breeding season.
Vocalisation
The Common Potoo's call is a haunting, descending whistle often described as 'poor-me-one'. This mournful sound, typically heard at night, consists of 4-5 notes that drop in pitch.
During the day, they may emit soft grunts or barks when disturbed.
Nesting & Breeding
The breeding season varies by region but often coincides with the dry season. During this time, Common Potoos form monogamous pairs. They do not build traditional nests, instead laying a single egg directly on a branch or tree stump.
The egg is white with brown and lilac spots, blending perfectly with the bark. Both parents take turns incubating the egg, which lasts about 30 days.
After hatching, the chick is cared for by both parents. It develops slowly, remaining in the nesting spot for about 40-50 days before fledging. Young Potoos can fly short distances at about two months old.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While the Common Potoo is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, habitat loss due to deforestation poses a threat in parts of its range.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting tropical and subtropical forests, which are crucial for this species' survival.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Potoos at night using a spotlight; their eyes reflect light
- During the day, scan tree branches for bird-shaped 'stumps'
- Listen for their distinctive, haunting call after sunset
- Check known perches repeatedly, as they often return to the same spots
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Main predators include large owls, hawks, and climbing mammals such as monkeys and opossums. Their excellent camouflage helps protect them from many potential threats.
Did You Know?
- Common Potoos have special slits in their eyelids that allow them to detect movement even with their eyes closed.
- They are sometimes called 'ghost birds' due to their eerie calls and ability to vanish into their surroundings.
- Potoos can rotate their heads almost 180 degrees, helping them scan for prey and predators.
Similar Birds
References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2020. Nyctibius griseus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T22689646A163600335.
View source - 2 3
report, 2019: Partners in Flight
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