Birds
File:Great Potoo. Nyctibius grandis - Flickr - gailhampshire.jpg

Great Potoo

Great Potoo

100
21 hours ago
Spotted
The Great Potoo is the largest and arguably most iconic of the potoos, known for its impressive size, incredible camouflage, and haunting, far-carrying call. It perches upright, resembling a broken tree branch.
Where to spot
Widespread across Central and South America, from southern Mexico south to Bolivia and Brazil. Inhabits various forest types, particularly near clearings, rivers, or water bodies.
How to spot
During the day, carefully scan tall dead snags or broken branches for its characteristic upright, 'stub-like' posture. At night, listen for its deep, melancholic 'boo-hoo-hoo-hoo' call and use a spotlight to locate its eyeshine.
When to spot
Strictly nocturnal, becoming active at dusk. Its call is most frequently heard on clear, moonlit nights.
File:Great Potoo. Nyctibius grandis - Flickr - gailhampshire.jpg
File:Great Potoo (Nyctibius grandis).jpg
File:Great Potoo (Nyctibius grandis) (9499670924).jpg
File:Great Potoo (Nyctibius grandis) - 48163711161.jpg
File:Great potoo (Nyctibius grandis).JPG
File:Mãe-da-lua-gigante (Nyctibius grandis).jpg
File:Nyctibius cf grandis Whaldener Endo cropped.jpg
File:Nyctibius grandis - Great Potoo; Apiacás, Mato Grosso, Brazil.jpg
File:Nyctibius grandis - Great Potoo; Apiacás, Mato Grosso, Brazil (cropped).jpg
File:Great Potoo. Nyctibius grandis - Flickr - gailhampshire.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Great Potoo (Nyctibius grandis).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Great Potoo (Nyctibius grandis) (9499670924).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Great Potoo (Nyctibius grandis) - 48163711161.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Great potoo (Nyctibius grandis).JPG
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Mãe-da-lua-gigante (Nyctibius grandis).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Nyctibius cf grandis Whaldener Endo cropped.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Nyctibius grandis - Great Potoo; Apiacás, Mato Grosso, Brazil.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Nyctibius grandis - Great Potoo; Apiacás, Mato Grosso, Brazil (cropped).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
The Great Potoo's enormous mouth allows it to capture a wide range of prey in flight, including large insects, and even small birds or bats, showcasing its formidable hunting prowess.
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Spotted

Recently spotted
516 (Seen in the last 3 months)
Last spotted
21 hours ago

Monthly observations

1 observation
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jenny van Dorland
jenny van Dorland
3 years ago
Great Potoo
Caño Negro, Alajuela
Spotted Great Potoo
Spotted Great Potoo
+70
Lifer
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