The great potoo or grand potoo is the largest potoo species and is widely distributed in Central and South America.
Region
Central and South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Mexico through Central America into much of northern and central South America, including the Amazon Basin. It inhabits lowland and foothill tropical forests, forest edges, clearings with scattered trees, and semi-open woodlands. The species often uses tall snags or exposed branches for daytime roosts and nocturnal hunting perches. It tolerates some habitat alteration and can be found near plantations or pastures with remnant trees, though it depends on nearby forest cover.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1300 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The great potoo is the largest member of the potoo family and masters camouflage, perching motionless by day to resemble a broken branch. It rests with eyes half-closed, using slits in the eyelids to watch for danger. At night it hunts from elevated perches, sallying out to snatch large flying insects. Its eerie, mournful calls are a distinctive sound of tropical forests after dark.
Great Potoo - Nyctibius grandis
Great potoo, Nyctibius grandis
Camouflaged.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches; silent, buoyant sallies
Social Behavior
Usually solitary outside the breeding season and highly sedentary by day. Pairs are monogamous and nest on a simple natural depression atop a branch or stump rather than building a nest. A single egg is laid, with both parents sharing incubation and chick care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives deep, mournful, human-like moans and groans that carry far at night. Calls are spaced, resonant notes often delivered from high exposed perches, sometimes in a short series with descending pitch.
