Owls - Potoos - Nightjars

Manuel Antonio National Park is home to a variety of nocturnal bird species, including Owls (Strigidae), Potoos (Nyctibiidae), and Nightjars (Caprimulgidae), which play crucial roles in the park’s ecosystems. Owls, such as the Spectacled Owl, are expert hunters, using their acute hearing and silent flight to capture rodents and other small mammals, helping to control populations of nocturnal prey. Potoos, with their cryptic plumage and eerie calls, are specialized insectivores that hunt moths and other insects at night, often perching motionless on tree branches during the day to remain hidden. Nightjars, with their large mouths and camouflaged plumage, are nocturnal insectivores, feeding on flying insects in open areas. Together, these birds help regulate insect and small mammal populations, contributing to the ecological balance of the park’s diverse habitats. Their presence underscores the health and complexity of the nocturnal food web in Manuel Antonio.