This Bird Can See With Its Eyes Closed

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3 April 2025

The Great Potoo, a mysterious nocturnal bird from Central and South America has a unique ability - it can see even with its eyes closed

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The Great Potoo has small slits in its eyelids that allow it to detect movement and light even when its eyes are shut

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This adaptation helps it stay alert to predators and prey while remaining perfectly still, blending into tree branches during the day

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As a nocturnal bird, the Great Potoo relies on its exceptional low-light vision to navigate and hunt at night

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Its mottled gray and brown plumage makes it look like a broken tree branch, keeping it nearly invisible

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The Great Potoo's enormous eyes are adapted for maximum light sensitivity, enabling it to detect even the slightest movements in the dark

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Its retina contains a reflective layer called the tapetum lucidum, which enhances its night vision by reflecting light back onto the retina

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During the day, the Great Potoo often perches on a branch, closing its eyes (or appearing to) and relying on its specialized eyelids to maintain vigilance

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The Great Potoo's unique visual adaptations have enabled it to thrive in its environment, making it an fascinating example of evolutionary specialisation

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 ndtv.com