Throughout the night, great potoos emit a loud, moaning growl that has earned the bird a mythical status, with some communities believing the sounds to be children calling for lost parents.
Name: Great potoo (Nyctibius grandis)
Where it lives: Central and South America
What it eats: Large insects, bats, and small birds
Why it’s awesome:
The great potoo is a true master of disguise. Its mottled gray-brown feathers and ability to remain completely still allow it to blend in perfectly with the tree branches and stumps in its forest habitat. This camouflage helps it avoid detection by both predators and prey.
Native to the tropical lowlands and forests of Central and South America, this nocturnal bird can grow up to 24 inches (60 cm) tall, with a wingspan that exceeds 28 inches (70 cm). Its plumage, a blend of gray, brown, and white, mimics the texture and color of tree bark, making it nearly invisible to the untrained eye.
During the day, the great potoo remains silent and motionless in the trees, blending into its surroundings. But at night, it comes alive. With its large, owl-like eyes that protrude from the sides of its head, the great potoo is well-suited to hunting in low-light conditions. Its wide, flattened beak allows it to snatch flying insects, bats, and even small birds from the air with precision.
An additional, fascinating feature of the great potoo is the notches in its eyelids. These slits allow the bird to see light and movement even when its eyes are closed. This helps the potoo detect potential threats and prey while it remains perched and at rest.
Unusual Calls and Mythical Status:
The great potoo is also known for its eerie, ghostly calls. These loud, moaning growls echo through the night, leading some South American communities to believe the calls are the sounds of lost children calling for their parents. These calls are used by the potoo for communication and to defend its territory.
Monogamous and Protective Parents:
Great potoos are monogamous, forming lifelong pairs. Both parents share the duties of incubating their single egg, which is laid in a natural depression on a tree branch. Their excellent camouflage and vigilant eyesight help protect the egg and their young from predators.
While little is known about their exact lifespan, great potoos are believed to live around 12 to 14 years, similar to other bird species. Their elusive and mysterious nature, combined with their unique adaptations, make them one of the most fascinating birds in the world.