Great Potoo
Nyctibius grandis
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<birdfyi-bird slug="nyctibius-grandis"></birdfyi-bird>About
The largest potoo (48-60 cm) with enormous eyes and a massive gape. Pale grey-brown plumage with bold streaks and vermiculations. Found in humid forests from Mexico to Brazil. Nocturnal insectivore with an extraordinary, deeply booming growling call. Perches upright on branches by day.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 74.8 cm | 29.4 in |
| Weight | 492.0 g | 17.35 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Predominantly greyish-white with intricate black and brown vermiculations and streaks; underparts paler with fine dark freckling; large orange-yellow eyes; mimics broken branch when perched upright; largest potoo species.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Found from Mexico and Trinidad south through Central America and South America to Argentina. Resident in forest edge and woodland up to 1,500 m.
Diet & Feeding
Nocturnal insectivore and occasional small vertebrate predator; hunts from perch by sight, targeting large moths and beetles.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: NO. Fledging: 55 days.
Clutch Size
1
Sound
Song
Loud, haunting 'BWAAAOW'; booming wail; very large bird produces deep, resonant, mournful cry; carries far through tropical forest at night; deeply unsettling sound
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Nyctibiidae (Potoos) |
| Genus | Nyctibius |
| Species | Nyctibius grandis |
Distribution
Great Potoo has been recorded in 4 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Great Potoo eat?
Where does the Great Potoo live?
Is the Great Potoo endangered?
How does the Great Potoo nest?
What does the Great Potoo sound like?
How big is the Great Potoo?
What order and family does the Great Potoo belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Nyctibiidae family