Common potoo

Nyctibius griseus

The common potoo, or kakuy (Nyctibius griseus), or urutau is one of seven species of birds within the genus Nyctibius.

Family: Nyctibiidae Order: Caprimulgiformes Conservation: Least Concern
Common potoo

About the Common potoo

The common potoo, or kakuy (Nyctibius griseus), or urutau is one of seven species of birds within the genus Nyctibius. It is notable for its large, yellow eyes and a wide mouth. Potoos are nocturnal and are related to nightjars and frogmouths. They lack the characteristic bristles around the mouths of true nightjars.

Fun Facts About Common potoo

  • The common potoo, or kakuy (Nyctibius griseus), or urutau is one of seven species of birds within the genus Nyctibius.
  • It is notable for its large, yellow eyes and a wide mouth.

Conservation Status

The Common potoo is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This species is currently stable and not at significant risk of population decline.

View on IUCN Red List →

Taxonomy & Classification

OrderCaprimulgiformes
FamilyNyctibiidae
GenusNyctibius
SpeciesNyctibius griseus

Range & Habitat

Range map of Common potoo

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Related Species

Other species in the Nyctibiidae family: