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Northern Potoo

Nyctibius jamaicensis

Photo by Cody.conway
Published on Project Noah
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21.5361, -105.233

Field Notes

Description:

The Northern Potoo is a nocturnal bird belonging to the potoo family, Nyctibiidae. It is found from Mexico south to Costa Rica and on the islands of Jamaica and Hispaniola

Notes:

Potoo are abnormal looking nightjars, which use very stiff positions looking straight up to blend in with trees during the day. At night, they perch on exposed tree limbs, and hunt for food items. This bird was photographed during a night excursion in the Mangroves of San Blas, Mexico. Photographing using lights, no flash.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (2)

I've seen many of these birds when I was a kid. I didn't even know the name. How wonderful to see a pic and think of that time!
Incredible eye! Slight resemblance to Australia's frogmouths.
Photographed
PublishedMarch 31, 2014

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