About Potoos

Overview

Nyctibiiformes comprises the potoos, a family (Nyctibiidae) of seven nocturnal birds of Central and South American forests. They are masters of disguise, perching motionless by day on stumps where their bark-like plumage renders them almost invisible. At night they sally for flying insects from an open perch. Potoos are among the most extraordinarily camouflaged birds in the world.

Classification

The order Potoos (Latin: NYCTIBIIFORMES) comprises 1 families and roughly 7 living species. It is one of 44 orders that make up the class Aves.

Diversity & Distribution

Nyctibiiformes comprises the potoos, a family (Nyctibiidae) of seven nocturnal birds of Central and South American forests.

Notable Families

Potoos and others.