The strange, haunting call of the Common Potoo is a common night sound in rainforests in parts of Central and South America.

When defending its nest, the Common Potoo sometimes makes dry, harsh tearing sounds and bill snaps in defense. Listen to some examples of Common Potoo calls and sounds below.

Potoos have a distinctive haunting song which consists of up to eight plaintive, whistled notes which progressively drop in pitch. These melancholic phrases are a characteristic sound of rainforest edge …

It’s hard to tell where the branch ends and the bird’s body begins — which helps them avoid predators. They’re birds more often heard than seen; with a melodious but mournful song, made at dawn, dusk …

Without financial support, it may soon have to shut down.

Oct 28, 2021 · Potoo sounds range from the reverberating roar of the Great Potoo to the melodic, descending song of the Common Potoo, to the guttural shriek of the Northern Potoo.

momhttps://macaulaylibrary.org/audio/75214Great Potoo (Nyctibius grandis) Call

This is the unforgettable potoo bird call. A master of camouflage by day, the potoo transforms into a mysterious vocalist by night. But what makes its call so haunting? Is it a cry of loneliness, a territorial …

Learn all about the Common Potoo - their call, habitat, diet, are they endangered, interesting facts, and much more - with pictures.

Dec 11, 2025 · If you’ve ever heard a great potoo’s call echoing through the forest at night, you’ll understand why locals have woven so many legends around this bird. Their vocalizations are as …