Back to photostream

Roosting great potoo (Nyctibius grandis), Pouso Alegre, Pantanal, Brazil

Potoos are nocturnal birds, feeding on night-flying insects They catch them in sallies from high branches, like the nightjars to which they are related. In places the night-time forest echoes to the bloodcurdling sounds of their growls and snarls.

However, roosting silently during the day, they usually blend in perfectly with the branch they perch on, in this case that of a piuvá tree. Once they close their prominent eyes they are extremely difficult to spot and I would never have found this one if it had not been pointed out to me by a local guide. Breeds from Guatemala to Brazil. This is the largest species in the potoo family.

150814 287

 

Riesentagschläfer

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

All images are the property of the photographer and may not be reproduced, copied, downloaded, transmitted or used in any way without the written permission of the photographer, who can be contacted by registering with flickr and using flickrmail.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2,035 views
45 faves
14 comments
Uploaded on February 13, 2021
Taken on August 14, 2015