Andean Potoo
Nyctibius maculosus
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<birdfyi-bird slug="nyctibius-maculosus"></birdfyi-bird>About
A medium-sized potoo (33-38 cm) of Andean cloud forests from Venezuela to Bolivia, at elevations of 1,000-3,000 m. Darker plumage than Common Potoo with bolder markings. Nocturnal insectivore. A poorly known montane species; limited ecological information available.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 54.2 cm | 21.3 in |
| Weight | 174.0 g | 6.14 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Dark brown upperparts with bold black and buff spotting forming mottled pattern; underparts brown with buff and white barring; more heavily spotted above than Common Potoo; Andean montane habitat reflected in denser-patterned plumage.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Found in the Andes from Venezuela and Colombia south to Bolivia at 1,500–3,400 m. Resident in montane cloud forest and forest edge. Uncommon.
Diet & Feeding
Perch-hunting nocturnal insectivore targeting large moths, beetles, and occasional bats in extended sallying flights from exposed snags.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Clutch Size
1
Sound
Song
Mournful wailing whistle; similar to Common Potoo but calls from Andean forest at higher elevations; slightly slower and lower-pitched; haunting descending phrase
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Nyctibiidae (Potoos) |
| Genus | Nyctibius |
| Species | Nyctibius maculosus |
Distribution
Andean Potoo has been recorded in 4 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Andean Potoo eat?
Where does the Andean Potoo live?
Is the Andean Potoo endangered?
What does the Andean Potoo sound like?
How big is the Andean Potoo?
What order and family does the Andean Potoo belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Nyctibiidae family