Rufous Potoo Juvenile

Paul Demkovich

We drove about 15 miles south of Novo Airão, and started walking up a jungle trail as the sun was setting. After a half-mile or so, it was pitch black in the forest, and our guides led us through the bushes to a location about 20 yards of the trail. One guide shined a light on a snag to show this Rufous Potoo chick perched on top of the snag about 8 feet off the ground. The bird didn’t flinch or move while we watched with hushed voices.

We were told that the egg had been laid on the snag, hatched on the snag, and the chick remained perched there as it had not yet fledged.

The lights went off and we stood quietly in the black jungle until the mother arrived and perched alongside the chick on the same snag. Amazing!

Rufous Potoo with Chick

Tui