Though Birdlife and IUCN state the Long tailed Potoo (Nyctibius aethereus) occurs across all South America, it also warns the population is declining.

The species refined distribution map suggests that in some time the Atlantic Rainforest and the Amazonian species might well be split.  This magical bird is rarely seen and highly desired by most bird observers around the globe.  With its nocturnal habits, its call is a long loud “Raaauuulll…” and the local population is scared by its unexpected call.

It is usually found perched on snags and high stumps and although it’s a large bird, it is well camouflaged and slow to move that often one just misses it.    This species requires good habitat and we are lucky to have one that doesn’t mind being photographed.

Lee Dingain spent lot of time observing this species and wrote an excellent paper that was published in Neotropical Birding.