By Sheetal Kumari | March 25, 2025
Meet the great potoo, a mysterious nocturnal bird from Central and South America. It has a unique ability – it can see even with its eyes closed! Let’s explore more about this fascinating master of disguise.
(Image: Juan Carlos Vindas/X)
Grey-brown feathers of great potoo camouflage it well with tree branches. Remaining motionless during the day, it becomes almost invisible, evading predators with its remarkable natural camouflage.
(Image: Juan Carlos Vindas/X)
This bird preys at night with its big, owl-like eyes. It catches flying insects, bats, and small birds, making it an efficient predator during the night.
(Image: @worldbirds32/X)
It reaches 24 inches in height with a 28-inch wingspan. Its distinctive colours are like tree bark, and it is thus able to hide itself very effectively.
(Image: @worldbirds32/X)
Cuts in its eyelids allow the great potoo to sense light and movement even when its eyes are closed, remaining informed of predators and prey while it sleeps.
(Image: @OpenSleigh/X)
During the night, the great potoo emits strange, moaning calls. According to some South American folklore, these calls are lost children searching for their parents.
(Image: @IoniaScience/X)
Great potoos are monogamous and mate for life. They share all the duties, from egg incubation to raising their offspring, so that they can survive in the wild.
(Image: @BStokkermans/X)
(Image: @worldbirds32/X)
The female gives a single egg on a branch of a tree. Both parents alternate incubation, depending on their camouflage ability to keep their nest safe from predators.
(Image: @worldbirds32/X)
Researchers estimate that the great potoo survives for about 12 to 14 years. Yet, because of its secretive behavior, no one actually knows its exact lifespan.
Its camouflage, strange calls, and special eyesight make the great potoo one of nature’s greatest secrets and most interesting birds, with bird enthusiasts across the globe intrigued by it.
(Image: @AuSableInst/X)