White-winged Potoo
Nyctibius leucopterus
The White-winged Potoo (Nyctibius leucopterus) is a rare potoo found in 6 countries, weighing about 86 g. The white-winged potoo is a species of bird in the family Nyctibiidae.
About the White-winged Potoo
The white-winged potoo is a species of bird in the family Nyctibiidae. It is found in Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The white-winged potoo has two forms that differ significantly in size but are almost identical otherwise. The species as a whole is 24 to 29 cm (9.4 to 11.4 in) long. The Amazonian form weighs 77 to 85 g (2.7 to 3.0 oz); it is much smaller than the eastern one though the latter's weight has not been documented. Both forms are dark brown above and lighter brown below, and both parts have darker speckles. The large white patch on the secondary wing coverts give the species its name. Voice: The song of the Amazonian form of white-winged potoo is "a gradually descending, pure-toned 'feeeoooooo'" described as haunting and melancholy. It also makes a soft "bweep" call.
Where it lives
When to see it
Best months: January, February, March, April, July, August, September, October, November, December, with peak activity in November. It is a variable species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a White-winged Potoo?
- The white-winged potoo has two forms that differ significantly in size but are almost identical otherwise. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a White-winged Potoo?
- The White-winged Potoo is a medium sized bird weighing about 86 g.
- Where can you see a White-winged Potoo?
- The White-winged Potoo occurs in 6 countries, including Guyana, Brazil, Suriname and French Guiana.
- What birds look similar to a White-winged Potoo?
- The White-winged Potoo is most easily confused with the Andean Potoo, the Long-tailed Potoo and the Northern Potoo.
- Is the White-winged Potoo endangered?
- The White-winged Potoo is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the White-winged Potoo for real
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