Potoos vs Frogmouths
Being related, Potoos and Frogmouths are similar in many ways. Their most striking similarity can be seen in how they camouflage themselves to look like part of a tree brach or trunk.
Because of how similar their appearance and camouflage techniques are, a lot of people seem to frequently mistake one for the other. Despite looking almost like the same kind of bird, there is one easy way to tell the difference between a Potoo vs a Frogmouth: their beaks
As you can see, Frogmouths have a much thicker beak compared to a Potoo. Additionally, Potoos in general have slightly larger eyes than Frogmouths. Also note the two unique little notches in the upper eyelid of the Common Potoo, and how the Tawny Frogmouth does not have these.
So the next time you aren’t sure whether the pic of a weird muppet-looking bird you’re seeing is a Frogmouth or Potoo, just take a good look at its beak. If it’s thick and bulky-looking: it’s most likely a Frogmouth. If it’s very small and pointy-looking: it’s most likely a Potoo
Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4
