Great potoos have relatively large heads in relation to their bodies. They have large eyes with a light brown to yellow iris and beaks that are short but broad, giving them a very large gape. In comparison to other Caprimulgiformes, the facial bristles are diminished to non-existent. They have elliptical wings with an elongate tail that aides in steering during noiseless landings on tree branches. The plumage is white to grayish with marbled black and burgundy tones. Tail coloration matches that of the body, with the exception of the 8 or 9 white bars that extend laterally across it.
Range mass: 360 to 650 g.
Range length: 480 to 600 mm.
Range wingspan: 700 to 804 mm.
Average wingspan: 734.8 mm.
Other Physical Features: endothermic ; homoiothermic; bilateral symmetry ; polymorphic
Sexual Dimorphism: sexes alike
Rights Holder: The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors
Bibliographic Citation: Slusher, G. 2008. "Nyctibius grandis" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at
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