birds. The species, easily observed, occurs in savanna
habitats and open areas and is common around human
habitations. It is found in eastern and south- central
Amazonia and is common on the Brazilian Pantanal.
This brown, shaggy- crested bird with bright orangy
eyes has a somewhat primeval look to it.
With luck, most birders get to see the large (47
cm/18.5 in) and colorful Squirrel Cuckoo (Piaya
cayana; plate 15- 89). The species ranges throughout
the Neotropics and inhabits various kinds of forests
and edge habitats. Like other cuckoos it tends to stay
hidden, but with patience and luck it is possible to get
a good look at it nonetheless.
The largest of the Neotropical cuckoos are the five
species of ground- cuckoos (plate 15- 90). Each is about
50 cm (nearly 20 in) in length. Ground- cuckoos do
occasionally fly but the name is well chosen as they
spend the majority of their time on the shaded forest
floor, often accompanying army ant swarms. They are
notoriously difficult to find and to see well.
Potoos, Nighthawks, and Nightjars
Many insects, particularly moths, are nocturnal. Two
closely related groups of birds, the potoos (family
Nyctibiidae) and the nighthawks and nightjars (family
Caprimulgidae), have each adapted to catching and
consuming nocturnal insects. (Also recall that these
birds are closely related to the Oilbird, described in
chapter 10.) Five potoo species and 30 nighthawk
and nightjar species occur in South America. All are
cryptically colored birds, and most nest and roost
on the forest floor, where they are difficult to spot
because of their crypsis. All species have large eyes
and large mouths with long rictal bristles that enable
them to find, capture, and eat their nocturnal flying
prey. Various species are sometimes seen around
streetlamps and other lights where flying insects are
apt to congregate. The Nacunda Nighthawk (Chordeiles
nacunda; plate 15- 91) is unusual in that it is often seen
flying in daylight.
Potoos (also discussed in chapters 4 and 11) roost
and nest in tree branches, and due to their plumage
and posture, bear a remarkable resemblance to a tree
snag when roosting (plates 15- 92– 93). Potoos, like
nightjars, vocalize at night, and show an amazing range
of “song,” from a haunting whistle- like series of notes
to extremely loud, harsh growling snarls, depending
upon species.
Nighthawks and nightjars may be found in a wide
range of habitats from interior forest to savanna to
sandbars in rivers (plates 15- 94– 95). But one way to
see these birds is to go out at night and look on and
along roads, particularly gravel roads. Active birds will
often land on or beside roads and the birds will display
prominent eyeshine. Close approach is often possible.Plate 15- 95. A Nacunda Nighthawk relaxing on the Brazilian
Pantanal and seemingly unconcerned about being rather
obvious on the green grass. Photo by John Kricher.Plate 15- 94. The cryptic plumage of the Ladder- tailed Nightjar
(Hydropsalis climacocerca) is typical of nightjars. Males of this
and several other nightjar species have elongated central
tail feathers, a sexually selected characteristic. Photo by Sean
Williams.
296 chapter 15 neotropical birds: the bustling crowd