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Common Potoo

Nyctibius griseus

Least Concern
This master of camouflage found across the rainforests of Central and South America, freezing statue-still by day while disguised as a broken tree branch.
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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

The Common Potoo can be found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Common Potoo is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Common Potoo is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Common Potoo is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Common Potoo is not typically found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Common Potoo is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Common Potoo is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Common Potoo is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Common Potoo is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Common Potoo can be found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Common Potoo is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Common Potoo is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

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
© 2024 - Birdfact
Resident

Distribution by Region

Species that can be found in the area throughout the year
Argentina Bolivia Brazil Colombia Costa Rica Ecuador French Guiana Guyana Nicaragua Panama Paraguay Peru Suriname Trinidad and Tobago Uruguay Venezuela

Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

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Bird 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.

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 82

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 45

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 90

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 35

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 65

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

Least Concern [1]

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.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

500,000 - 4,999,999 mature individuals [2]

Global Population Trend

[3]

Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating

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

Other names:

Grey Potoo, Poor-me-one

Family:

Nyctibiidae

Average Lifespan

10 to 15 years

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?

  1. Common Potoos have special slits in their eyelids that allow them to detect movement even with their eyes closed.
  2. They are sometimes called 'ghost birds' due to their eerie calls and ability to vanish into their surroundings.
  3. Potoos can rotate their heads almost 180 degrees, helping them scan for prey and predators.

References

  1. 1

    website: BirdLife International. 2020. Nyctibius griseus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T22689646A163600335.

    View source
  2. 2 3

    report, 2019: Partners in Flight

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