Groove-billed Ani
Crotophaga sulcirostris
The Groove-billed Ani (Crotophaga sulcirostris) is a common cuckoo found in 18 countries, weighing about 82 g. The groove-billed ani is a tropical bird in the cuckoo family with a long tail and a large, curved beak.
About the Groove-billed Ani
The groove-billed ani is a tropical bird in the cuckoo family with a long tail and a large, curved beak. It is a resident species throughout most of its range, from southern Texas, central Mexico and The Bahamas, through Central America, to northern Colombia and Venezuela, and coastal Ecuador and Peru. It only retreats from the northern limits of its range in Texas and northern Mexico during winter.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The groove-billed ani is about 34 cm (13 in) long, and weighs 70–90 g (2.5–3.2 oz). Wingspan ranges 41–46 cm (16–18 in). It is completely black, with a very long tail almost as long as its body. It has a huge bill with lengthwise grooves running the length of the upper mandible. It is very similar to the smooth-billed ani, some specimens of which have bills as small as the groove-billed and with grooves on the basal half. The two species are best distinguished by voice and range. In flight, the ani alternates between quick, choppy flaps and short glides.
What the Groove-billed Ani sounds like
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Canada.
When to see it
The Groove-billed Ani can be seen all year round, with peak activity in January. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Groove-billed Ani?
- The groove-billed ani is about 34 cm (13 in) long, and weighs 70–90 g (2.5–3.2 oz). Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Groove-billed Ani?
- The Groove-billed Ani is a medium sized bird weighing about 82 g.
- Where can you see a Groove-billed Ani?
- The Groove-billed Ani occurs in 18 countries, including Mexico, Costa Rica, Belize, Honduras and the United States.
- What does a Groove-billed Ani sound like?
- You can listen to 3 field recordings of the Groove-billed Ani on this page, contributed to xeno-canto under open licences.
- What birds look similar to a Groove-billed Ani?
- The Groove-billed Ani is most easily confused with the Smooth-billed Ani and the Greater Ani.
- Is the Groove-billed Ani endangered?
- The Groove-billed Ani is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Groove-billed Ani for real
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