Common Potoo

Nyctibius griseus

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