Crotophaga ani
The Smooth-billed Ani, Crotophaga ani, is a striking member of the cuckoo family, characterized by its entirely glossy black plumage, long tail, and most notably, its unique, deeply arched and laterally compressed bill. Adults typically measure between 30-36 cm (12-14 in) in length and weigh 70-110 grams, with no significant sexual dimorphism in size or coloration. Its distinctive bill, which lacks the grooves found in its close relative, the Groove-billed Ani, serves as a key identification ...
Found in open and semi-open habitats, including pastures, savannas, agricultural fields, forest edges, and disturbed areas, often at low elevations and near water sources.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on large insects such as grasshoppers, beetles, crickets, and spiders; also consumes lizards, frogs, small snakes, and occasionally fruit or seeds, especially in drier periods.
Smooth-billed Anis are highly social, diurnal birds typically found in small family groups of up to 20 individuals, often seen foraging together on the ground or perching communally. Their foraging strategy involves gleaning large insects and small vertebrates from vegetation or directly from the...
The Smooth-billed Ani has an extensive Neotropical distribution, spanning from southern Florida, throughout the Greater and Lesser Antilles, across Central America, and extensively through South America north of Argentina and Uruguay. It is largely a resident species throughout its range, exhibit...
Least Concern
- Smooth-billed Anis are obligate cooperative breeders, meaning multiple females (up to 10 or more) lay their eggs in a single, large communal nest, and all adults share incubation and rearing duties. - Their name 'Ani' is derived from the Tupi language of Brazil, reflecting their South American ...