Nyctibius grandis, known as the Great Potoo, is a nocturnal bird found in Central and South American forests. It boasts excellent camouflage with its mottled plumage, resembling tree bark. Notable for its eerie, haunting calls, it remains motionless during the day, blending perfectly with its surroundings.

Nyctibius grandis, commonly known as the Great Potoo, is native to the Neotropical region, which includes parts of Central and South America. Its geographical distribution spans from southern Mexico through Central America, including countries like Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama, and extends into South America, covering countries such as Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, and northern Argentina.

The Great Potoo typically inhabits tropical and subtropical forests, including both humid and dry forest environments. It is often found in lowland rainforests but can also be seen in secondary forests and open woodlands. The climate in these regions is generally warm with high humidity levels, supporting dense vegetation.

As a nocturnal bird, the Great Potoo occupies a niche as a nighttime predator. It primarily feeds on large insects and small vertebrates, such as bats and birds. Its cryptic plumage allows it to remain camouflaged against tree trunks during the day, effectively avoiding predators and conserving energy for nighttime activity.