The Ghost Bird of Central/South America, with nocturnal habits, cryptic plumage, and a distinct large mouth. Shy and elusive on tree branches.
Great Potoos blend with trees, sporting mottled plumage. No gender differences. Juveniles are fluffier with paler tones. Adapted for aerial insect hunting.
Great Potoo are skilled nocturnal hunters, feed on flying insects and occasionally catch bats. Their camouflage aids ambush-style hunting from exposed branches.
Nesting in the wet season, Great Potoos lay one egg, chicks fledge in 55 days, gaining independence in two months. Parents feed and guide them.
Great Potoos communicate with eerie whoaps and frog-like croaks at night, signaling territories through haunting vocalizations, including clicks.
Thriving in neotropical regions, Great Potoos adapt to diverse habitats, facing deforestation threats, yet listed least concern on ICUN Red List.
Mastering disguise, the Great Potoo freezes, tilts its head upward, mimicking a branch to evade predators effectively.
In South America, Great Potoo's call is seen as a bad omen, predicting loss or death. Mocking them is considered unlucky.