Potoos are found in Mexico, Central America, and South America. There are seven species in this family.

Potoos eat mostly insects. They are nocturnal, which means they are active at night. During the day, they perch upright on tree branches or broken stumps, where they are very difficult to spot. If they sense danger, they remain perfectly still, making them look like part of the tree.

Potoos are 8–20 inches (20.3–50.8 cm) long. They have large heads, very large eyes for night vision, and broad bills with a slight hook at the tip. They also have long wings and long tails.

Their feathers are a mixture of black, brown, gray, and white, creating excellent camouflage. This cryptic coloration helps them blend in with tree bark and stay hidden from predators.