Mar 29, 2025, 07:26 PM IST

Meet Great Potoo: Bird that hunts without opening its eyes

Pravrajya Suruchi

Unique Adaptation: The great potoo is a nocturnal bird known for its ability to "see" with its eyes closed, which helps it remain camouflaged during the day.

Camouflaged Appearance: It resembles a tree branch or a piece of bark, blending seamlessly into its surroundings, making it nearly impossible to spot.

Eyes Closed for Protection: The bird keeps its eyes tightly closed when resting during the day, and its specialized eyes allow it to still detect movement and changes in light.

Nocturnal Hunter: The great potoo is primarily active at night, using its keen vision to hunt insects in low light conditions, such as moths and beetles.

Found in Central and South America: This bird species is native to tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in countries like Brazil, Venezuela, and Ecuador.

Low Vocalization: It is known for its distinctive, eerie call, which sounds like a mournful whistle or a deep croak, often heard at night.

Reproductive Behavior: During breeding season, the great potoo lays its eggs on tree branches or stumps, where the young are cared for until they can fend for themselves.

Conservation Status: While not currently endangered, habitat destruction and deforestation in its native areas pose a potential threat to the great potoo's survival.

This information is not DNA's opinion but obtained from media reports