Tuesday, 24 September 2024

Potoos

 

Potoos

                                 Great potoo (Nyctibius grandis)
Image courtesy Wikimedia Commons

I came across these birds quite by chance.

Potoos are related to nightjars and frogmouths. There are seven species of these pigeon-sized nocturnal insect-eaters, and they inhabit the tropics of Central and South America. They live in diverse habitats, from the dry Colombian deserts to the wetlands of Brazil, where they are known as ghost birds.

  Great potoo (Nyctibius grandis) 

Image courtesy Wikimedia Commons

During the day they rest motionless high up in the trees, their plumage acting like camouflage to resemble part of the perch. This is known as masquerading. At night, they perch and hunt from a lower branch. 


Common potoo (Nyctibius griseus) 

Image courtesy Wikimedia Commons

Hint: the bird is on the left as you look at the photograph

They have huge eyes and an extremely wide beak, which is brightly coloured inside, to attract insects. There is something that looks like a tooth in the upper part of the bill that helps them grasp their prey. One species of potoo, the great potoo, is capable of catching and swallowing small birds and bats whole.

Potoos do not build nests but lay their eggs on rotting tree stumps or a scrape on a branch. All potoos are thought to be monogamous, with both parents sharing the task of incubating the single egg and then feeding the chick.

Eggs and young potoo chicks may fall victim to monkeys and weasels. Excellent camouflage provides great protection for adult birds, but they, too, are predated on by monkeys, weasels, and birds of prey.

These remarkable and unusual birds live for twelve to fourteen years.

Potoo range

Image courtesy Wikimedia Commons
 

 

 

33 comments:

  1. The bird doesn't look realty me and the camouflage is remarkable. I hard a really difficult time finding the bird in the 2nd photo. All very interesting. Thanks

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    1. It's very unusual and the camouflage is perfect.

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  2. What a curious looking creature and entirely new to me.

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  3. This is a bird I have never heard of, though the same can be said of many other birds. The camouflage is impressive.

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    1. It's extraordinary. I was fascinated by it.

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  4. That's a fascinating bird thanks for all the information.
    Alison in Wales x

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  5. That's a weird one. And interesting to find out about. Thank you

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    1. The adaptations that Nature makes are amazing.

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  6. That's mood lifting bird !! A pity that it doesn't exist here, it really makes me laugh !

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  7. The Potoo has amazing camouflage. Maybe monkeys are their greatest threat.

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  8. What the heck is that thing!?!? Very interesting, I have never heard of those before, it would be very interesting to see one in person someday!

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    1. It is a strange looking creature, to be sure.

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  9. I'd never heard of a Potoo, but I think they're quite a comical looking bird. Even their name is kind of funny! xxx

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    1. It's hard to take them seriously, really, unless you're a small bird or a bat or a moth . . .

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  10. Our jar mouths are nighthawks and whipperwills. I have been lucky enough to see a nighthawk resting on my porch railing years ago. Boy it surprised me to see it up close. But they are not quite so unusual looking as this African one. Thanks, I love seeing new birds.

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    1. It feels such a privilege to see such birds close up. I disturbed a nightjar many years ago when I was out walking the dogs.

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  11. What an interesting looking bird!

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  12. What a fascinating discovery! Potoos sound like such unique and elusive creatures. Their nocturnal habits and diverse habitats make them intriguing subjects for birdwatching. Thanks for sharing this glimpse into their world!

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  13. So unusual, and it's a bird I never heard of (along with, I know, many others). What really makes me pay attention is those eyes. In a way they creep me out but there is nothing creepy about this bird.

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  14. I've never heard of this bird and such amazing camouflage.

    All the best Jan

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    1. They must be very difficult to spot when 'frozen'.

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  15. What amazing camourflage and a most unusual bird. Thank you for sharing your new bird discovery.

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