About the Northern Potoo
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.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
It is a fairly large bird with a length of 38–46 centimetres. It has a long tail, long pointed wings, large head, very short legs and a small bill with a large gape. It is most commonly seen perched motionless in an upright position on branches or posts. The plumage is grey-brown with an intricate pattern of black, grey and cream markings. The cheeks are pale with a dark malar stripe below them. The large eye has a yellow iris which can shine red in light at night. The bird's calls are hoarse and guttural.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Peru.
When to see it
Peak activity in March · a variable species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Long-tailed PotooNyctibius aethereusThe long-tailed potoo is 42 to 58 cm (17 to 23 in) long and weighs 280 to 447 g (9.9 to 15.8 oz).
Andean PotooNyctibius maculosusThe Andean potoo is 34 to 40.5 cm (13 to 16 in) long.
White-winged PotooNyctibius leucopterusThe white-winged potoo has two forms that differ significantly in size but are almost identical otherwise.
Learn the Northern Potoo for real
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