Status: | Species: | Common Name: | Last Update: |
---|---|---|---|
Offline | Nyctibius aethereus | Long-tailed Potoo | ----- |
Offline | Nyctibius bracteatus | Rufous Potoo | ----- |
Offline | Nyctibius grandis | Great Potoo | ----- |
Offline | Nyctibius griseus | Grey Potoo | ----- |
Offline | Nyctibius jamaicensis | Common Potoo | ----- |
Offline | Nyctibius leucopterus | White-winged Potoo | ----- |
Offline | Nyctibius maculosus | Andean Potoo | ----- |
The Family Nyctibiidae consists of the potoos, a group of nocturnal birds found in Central and South America. Potoos are known for their camouflaged plumage, which allows them to blend seamlessly with tree branches during the day. They have large heads, wide mouths, and excellent night vision, adaptations that help them catch insects in flight at night. Potoos are solitary and rely heavily on their cryptic appearance for protection, often perching motionless for hours. Their unique behavior and specialized feeding make them an important part of tropical forest ecosystems as nocturnal insect predators.