potoo

American

[poh-too] / poʊˈtu /

noun

PLURAL

potoos

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

Etymology

Origin of potoo

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

From BBC

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

From BBC

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

From Slate

A common potoo perches on a branch in Peru.

From National Geographic

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

From Project Gutenberg

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023