Common potoo

The common potoo, also known as the grey potoo, lesser potoo, or poor-me-one, is a captivating nocturnal bird native to the tropical regions of Central and South America. These birds can be found from Nicaragua down to Argentina and Uruguay. They belong to the same family as nightjars and frogmouths; however, unlike true nightjars, common potoos lack the bristles around their mouths.

What stands out about the common potoo is its remarkable camouflage. Its plumage is a blend of pale greyish to brown with black and buff patterns, allowing it to resemble a log or a branch. This camouflage is highly effective in helping the bird remain hidden from predators. In addition, they possess large orange eyes that reflect light at night, which makes them easier to spot, and their haunting, melancholic call is quite distinctive.

Common potoos prefer open woodlands and savannahs, avoiding cooler mountainous areas and extremely arid regions. Their primary diet consists of insects, which they hunt from a perch, much like shrikes or flycatchers. During the day, they remain motionless, perched upright on tree stumps, blending in so seamlessly that they are almost impossible to detect.

In terms of reproduction, common potoos lay a single white egg with lilac spots in a small depression on a tree limb, usually a few meters off the ground. Despite the seemingly precarious nature of their nesting sites, they manage quite well.

The common potoo is not considered threatened according to the IUCN and is a resident breeder within its natural habitat. When disturbed, their behavior varies—they may fly away, attempt to scare off intruders by opening their beaks wide, or remain completely still. Interestingly, the chicks exhibit similar behaviors.