Tweet

Today’s Belize Photo of the Day is the Northern Potoo and its scientific name is Nyctibius jamaicensis. The Northern Potoo is a nocturnal bird that belongs to the potoo family and  can be found in Mexico, Belize, Costa Rica and on the islands of Jamaica and Hispaniola.

A fairly large bird with a length of 38 to 46 centimeters, the Northern Potoo has a long tail, long pointed wings, large head, very short legs and a small bill with a large gape and is most commonly seen perched motionless in an upright position on branches as depicted on the photo above.

Its plumage is grey-brown with an intricate pattern of black, grey and cream markings and its cheeks are pale with a dark malar stripe below them.

The large eye has a yellow iris that can shine red in light at night and its calls are hoarse and guttural and sound like “WHAAAH-whuh-whuh-whuh!”

Want to know more about the birds of Belize? Join us on an early morning bird walk with a Naturalist Guide and spot many species of local and migratory birds that inhabit the 365 private nature reserve.

Photo taken by Naturalist Guide: David Juarez

Tags: Belize Images, Belize Photo, Belize photo of the day, Belize Vacations, chaa creek, Common Pauraque, feathered creature, Naturalist Guide, naturalist hikes, nature hikes, night hawk, night hawk bird, nightjar, nocturnal birds, Northern Potoo, Nyctibius jamaicensis, potoo birds, potoos, The Northern Potoo of Belize