Crotophaga major
The Greater Ani (Crotophaga major) is the largest and most striking of the ani species, a member of the cuckoo family (Cuculidae) and distinctive New World cuckoos. This highly social bird measures an impressive 43 to 51 cm in length, with a long, graduated tail contributing significantly to its size, and weighs between 160 and 200 grams. Its plumage is entirely glossy black, exhibiting a beautiful iridescent sheen, particularly noticeable in good light, which can appear purple or bluish. A k...
This species thrives in open woodlands, forest edges, and second growth, primarily near water sources such as rivers, lakes, marshes, and mangroves, often in low-lying areas up to 1200 meters. They prefer dense vegetation for cover and roosting, typically in tropical and subtropical moist broadle...
The Greater Ani's diet primarily consists of large insects like grasshoppers, crickets, cicadas, and beetles, along with spiders, small lizards, frogs, and occasionally small snakes. They are opportunistic foragers, sometimes supplementing their insectivorous diet with small fruits and seeds.
Greater Anis are highly diurnal and exceptionally social birds, typically found in noisy groups of 5 to 10 individuals, occasionally larger. They forage methodically, often on the ground or in low vegetation, using their strong bills to glean large insects and spiders, frequently following grazin...
The Greater Ani is a widespread resident species found throughout the tropical lowlands of Central and South America. Its breeding range extends from eastern Nicaragua and Costa Rica, through Panama, and extensively across northern and central South America. This includes Colombia, Venezuela, the...
Least Concern
- The Greater Ani is the largest of the three ani species, easily recognized by its size and pale eyes. - Unlike many cuckoos, Greater Anis are not brood parasites; they are cooperative breeders that build communal nests. - Multiple females (up to 10 or more) will lay their eggs in a single, shar...