Common Potoo
Sounds & Calls
Common Potoo (Nyctibius griseus)
The Common Potoo (Nyctibius griseus) is one of seven species of potoo, all found in the neotropics. Potoos are nocturnal, insectivorous birds related to frogmouths and nightjars. Superbly camoflauged during the day, potoos usually perch on the end of a branch or stump to roost where their patterned plumage and stiff posture blends in to look like a part of the tree.
What does a Common Potoo sound like? Common Potoos have a distinctive haunting song which consists of up to eight plaintive, whistled notes which progressively drop in pitch. These melancholic phrases are a characteristic sound of rainforest edge thoughout much of the range of this species. When defending its nest, the Common Potoo sometimes makes dry, harsh tearing sounds and bill snaps in defense.
Listen to some examples of Common Potoo calls and sounds below.
Listen to Common Potoo Sounds
The audio in the video below features the typical eerie, lamenting song of the Common Potoo. These sounds were recorded in Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, Ecuador.
Common Potoo (Nyctibius griseus) in typical cryptic posture while roosintg during the day at the end of a snag.
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Other Wildlife & Bird Sounds from South America
- Chachalaca, Speckled
- Hummingbirds
- Macaw, Blue-and-yellow
- Macaw, Scarlet
- Monkey, Howler
- Oropendola, Russet-backed
- Otter, Giant
- Owl, Crested
- Owl, Ferruginous Pygmy
- Owl, Tropical Screech
- Piha, Screaming
- Potoo, Common
- Tapir
- Tinamou, Undulated
- Titi, White-tailed
- Toucan, White-throated
- Trogon, Green-backed
- Wren, Musician