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Common Potoo

Submitted by on June 28, 2010 – 10:13 pmNo Comment
Common Potoo (Nyctibius griseus) by The Lilac Breasted Roller

Common Potoo (Nyctibius griseus) by The Lilac Breasted Roller

In this video, David Attenborough shows us the amazing camouflage of the Common Potoo.

The Common Potoo is a nocturnal bird primarily found in Central and South America. Since it does it’s hunting at night, during the day it rests perched in trees or on stumps like in the above photo. Staying very still, the bird looks like it could actually be part of the tree!

While camouflaged, the Common Potoo closes its eyes. Even while shut, the bird can still see with a special adaptation to its eyelids. David explains how in the video below.

There are many birds that are able to blend in with their environment. For example, can you find the Eastern Screech Owl in this photo?