At just 0.2–1 kg, the Potoo is one of the lightest carnivore birds (#11 of 12). Found in Central and South America, it inhabits forests, woodlands habitats.
Physical Characteristics & Habitat
Size & Speed
| Metric | Potoo | Carnivore Birds Median | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 0.6 kg | 2.3 kg | ↓ 74% |
| Height | 39.5 cm | — | — |
| Top Speed | 20 km/h | 33.5 km/h | ↓ 40% |
| Avg Speed | 20 km/h | — | — |
Habitat & Distribution
The Potoo inhabits forests, woodlands habitats. It can be found in Central and South America.
Typical coloring: Gray, Brown.
Diet & Predators
Behavior & Reproduction
Social Structure
The Potoo is a solitary species belonging to the Nyctibiidae family.
Reproduction
Conservation & Comparison
IUCN Conservation Status
LC The Potoo is classified as Least Concern. There are 66 species with the same status in our database.
Species Comparison
Among 13 carnivore birds, the Potoo’s weight of 0.2–1 kg is significantly lower than the group median of 2.3 kg.
Weight rank: #59 of 66 Least Concern species.
| # | Species | Weight | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Humpback Whale | Up to 30000 kg | LC |
| 2 | Walrus | Up to 1200 kg | LC |
| 3 | Yak | 500–1200 kg | LC |
| 4 | Water Buffalo | 300–1200 kg | LC |
| 5 | Zebra | 400–900 kg | LC |
Related Species
How much does a Potoo weigh?
A Potoo typically weighs 0.2–1 kg, which is well below average compared to the median of 2.3 kg among carnivore birds.
What is the conservation status of the Potoo?
The Potoo is classified as “Least Concern”. There are 66 species with the same status in our database.
Where does the Potoo live?
The Potoo is found in Central and South America, in forests, woodlands habitats.
How does the Potoo reproduce?
The Potoo has a gestation period of 20–30 days and typically produces 1 offspring per birth.
Data Sources: IUCN, WWF, National Geographic, Smithsonian Institution.
Last Updated: April 10, 2026