Overview
The great potoo or grand potoo (Nyctibius grandis) is the largest potoo species and is widely distributed in Central and South America.
Much like owls, this species is nocturnal. It preys on large insects and small vertebrates, which it captures in sallies from high perches.
The great potoo is best known for its distinctive moaning growl, which echoes through the Neotropical night.
Summary from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Range and habitat
Far southern Mexico to northern Bolivia, Paraguay, and southeastern Brazil.
Range description: AviList Global Avian Checklist.
Sources and further reading
- Wikipedia: Great potoo
- eBird: sightings, maps and photos
- xeno-canto: sound recordings
- Birds of the World: full species account (subscription)
- BirdLife DataZone: status and threats
- IUCN Red List (threat status)
- AviList global checklist (taxonomy)
Last updated September 29, 2026.
