Animals

Why are potoos so hard to spot on tree branches?

Because their feathers and frozen posture make them resemble broken wood. A resting potoo stretches upright on a stump or branch and closes its large eyes almost completely. Mottled brown and grey feathers match bark. Tiny eyelid openings still let the bird notice movement while it maintains its convincing broken-branch pose.

Illustration of potoos so hard to spot on tree branches for the question "Why are potoos so hard to spot on tree branches?"
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