potoo

[poh-too]

noun

plural

potoos 

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of potoo¹

1840–50; originally Jamaican English patoo; compare Twi patú owl

Example Sentences

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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