Great Potoo

Nyctibius grandis (Gmelin, JF, 1789)

Great Potoo Nyctibius grandis breeds from southern Mexico through Panama and on across South America to central Bolivia and south-eastern Brazil. It is a potoo of humid to semi-humid forest, especially dense lowland woodland, forest margins and clearings, and it also occurs in foothills, second-growth, open woodland and plantations. It is the largest potoo, and its large head, dark brown eyes, short broad bill and elongated tail help set it apart. By day it rests upright on high branches or stumps, where its setting makes it hard to notice. At night it hunts from perches and is known for its moaning growl.

Order

Nyctibiiformes

Family

Nyctibiidae — Potoos

Breeding range

Middle America, South America: s Mexico to Panama through South America to c Bolivia and sc, se Brazil