Ani (bird)

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The Anis are the three species of near-passerine birds in the genus Crotophaga of the cuckoo family. They are essentially tropical New world birds, although the range of two species just reaches the U.S..

Unlike some cuckoos, the anis are not brood parasites, but nest communally, the cup nest being built by several pairs between 2-6 m high in a tree. A number of females lay their eggs in the nest and then share incubation and feeding.

The anis are large black birds with a long tail and a deep ridged black bill. Their flight is weak and wobbly, but they run well, and usually feed on the ground.

These are very gregarious species, always found in noisy groups. Anis feed on termites, large insects and even lizards and frogs. They will remove ticks and other parasites from grazing animals.

Species

Greater Ani, Crotophaga major
Smooth-billed Ani, Crotophaga ani
Groove-billed Ani, Crotophaga sulcirostris

References

Birds of Venezuela by Hilty, ISBN 0-7136-6418-5
Birds of Trinidad and Tobago by ffrench, ISBN 0-7136-6759-1

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