The common potoo, or kakuy, or urutau is one of seven species of birds within the genus Nyctibius. It is notable for its large, yellow eyes and a wide mouth. Potoos are nocturnal and are related to nightjars and frogmouths. They lack the characteristic bristles around the mouths of true nightjars.
Region
Neotropics
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Central America through much of northern and central South America, including Trinidad. It favors forest edges, clearings, gallery forests, secondary growth, and savannas with scattered trees. Often found along rivers, in plantations, and near lights that attract insects. By day it roosts motionless on stumps or exposed branches, relying on cryptic plumage. It avoids the densest interior of tall rainforest but uses gaps and edges extensively.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This nocturnal bird relies on extraordinary camouflage, perching upright by day and resembling a broken branch. It has eyelid slits that let it watch for danger while appearing to have its eyes closed. It lays a single egg directly on a shallow depression of a branch or stump with no built nest. Its wide, gaping mouth helps it snatch flying insects on nocturnal sallies.
A common potoo masquerading as a branch
Adult and juvenile common potoos in alert posture
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with buoyant glides
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, spending the day perched upright and motionless. Pairs are monogamous and both parents share incubation and care. They lay a single egg on a natural depression atop a branch or stump with no nest structure.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A haunting, mournful series of descending whistles and moans, often rendered as a far-carrying 'po-too' at night. Vocalizations are most frequent at dusk and during moonlit nights and can be heard over long distances.
