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Common Potoo — printable fact sheet
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Animal Fact Sheet
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Common Potoo
Nyctibius griseus
The Common Potoo is a nocturnal bird known for its extraordinary camouflage and haunting calls. With mottled gray and brown plumage, it blends seamlessly with tree branches during the day, making it almost invisible to predators and observers. At night, it becomes active, huntin…
Did you know?
- Despite appearing motionless and invisible during the day, Common Potoos can rotate their heads up to 180 degrees to keep watch for predators.
- Common Potoos are experts at camouflage, resembling broken tree branches when perched. They have a unique eyelid adaptation, allowing them to see while keeping their eyes mostly closed during the day. Their eerie, wailing calls are often heard at night across Central and South American forests.
What I learned
Draw the common potoo
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