The northern potoo is a nocturnal bird belonging to the potoo family, Nyctibiidae. It is found from Mexico south to Costa Rica, and on the islands of Jamaica and Hispaniola. It was formerly classified as a subspecies of the common potoo but is now usually treated as a separate species based on differences in vocalizations.
Region
Mesoamerica and the Greater Antilles
Typical Environment
Occurs from western and southern Mexico south through Central America to Costa Rica, and in the Greater Antilles on Jamaica and Hispaniola. It favors open woodlands, forest edges, secondary growth, savannas with scattered trees, and mangroves. It also uses agricultural mosaics, coffee and cacao plantations, and pastures with perches. By day it roosts motionless on stumps or branch snags; at night it forages along edges, clearings, and near lights where insects are abundant.
Altitude Range
0–2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The northern potoo is a master of camouflage, perching upright by day to resemble a broken branch. It hunts at night by sallying from exposed perches to snatch large flying insects with its enormous gape. Its haunting, mournful calls distinguish it from related species. A single egg is laid on a bare branch or stump without a constructed nest.
N. j. mexicanus roosting
Northern potoo
Temperament
solitary and cryptic
Flight Pattern
buoyant with short, silent wingbeats and brief glides
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, especially during the breeding season. It lays a single egg directly on a bare horizontal branch or stump, relying on camouflage rather than a built nest. Both adults share incubation and chick care, with the adult adopting a freeze posture when threatened.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Voice is a series of loud, mournful, descending wah or whaa notes, often given at night from exposed perches. Calls carry far in still air and differ from the common potoo by pace and tone. Soft grunts and growls occur at close range.
