potoo

[poh-too]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

potoos

any of several nocturnal birds of the family Nyctibiidae, of Mexico and Central and South America, related to the goatsuckers.

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Origin of potoo¹

1840–50; originally Jamaican English patoo; compare Twi �貹��ú owl

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Examples have not been reviewed.

During the day, the potoo perches on tree branches, remaining perfectly still, with its cryptic plumage resembling a broken tree branch or stump.

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As I didn't want to risk disturbing the potoo into flight, I photographed it with a long telephoto lens.

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Apparently she has been called the ugliest bird in the world, a distinction that should really go to the potoo.

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A common potoo perches on a branch in Peru.

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Nyctibius griseus mexicanus Nelson: Mexican Potoo.—One specimen was taken at night 7½ km.

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