Potoo: a little-known bird wrapped in legends
Fernando Igor de Godoy, Folha de Florianópolis, Feb. 2022
With modest plumage, this little-known bird looks like a branch. It is the potoo, also called “mother of the moon” in some parts of Brazil. During the day, it stays motionless on the tips of branches and fence posts, going unnoticed by most people. But that’s exactly the point!
The potoo (Nyctibius griseus) is a nocturnal bird that rests during the day. To avoid predators, it uses a unique form of camouflage: it “pretends” to be a continuation of a branch. Thus, the potoo remains still all day long in an upright posture, relying on its camouflage.
If all the curious facts about the Potoo during the day weren't enough, there are also several legends that reference its nocturnal habits. The main reason is its singing, which is often described as melancholic and frightening to many. It is said that the Urutau sings more on moonlit nights (hence the name "Mother's Moon"), which may be linked to the increased clarity during such nights, as well as the fact that typically, rainy conditions are less prevalent on nights when the moon is visible.
As most people are unaware of this bird, hearing its "dark" song often serves as the inspiration for many stories.
At night, as opposed to during the day, the potoo is quite active. In flight, it opens its giant mouth to catch insects, and its large yellow eyes are also instrumental in helping the species locate its prey.
Although few people are aware of it, the Urutau is not a rare bird. On the contrary, it is found throughout Brazil and in various types of plant formations. It can be observed in trees in pastures, forest edges, and even urban areas, as long as there are trees and perches for it to land on. At night, if you listen carefully in a forest during the period when the bird is in your region (as there are studies that suggest the Urutau is migratory), you can easily hear its song. However, spotting the bird during the day is quite challenging, which is why it remains relatively unknown.
There are other species of Potoo, belonging to an order that is found exclusively in Latin America. Some are strictly forest-dwelling and require preserved areas for their survival. However, they all share the same characteristic of camouflaging themselves to resemble branches and adopting an upright posture.
How about trying to spot an Urutau in your vicinity?
https://folhadeflorianopolis.com.br/2022/02/03/urutau-uma-ave-pouco-conhecida-mas-coberta-de-lendas/