Anis (Crotophagidae / Crotophaginae)

Anis are essentially tropical New World birds, although the range of two species just reaches the United States.

These gregarious species are usually found in noisy flocks.

Description:

The anis are large black birds. The tail is long and the black bill is deeply ridged.

Their flight is described as weak and wobbly, but they run well.

Nesting / Breeding:

Anis nest communally. The cup nest is built by several pairs and placed between 2-6 m high in a tree.

A number of females lay their eggs in the nest and then share incubation and feeding.

Diet / Feeding:

Anis mostly feed on termites, large insects, and even lizards and frogs. They usually feed on the ground.

Species

    • Greater Ani, Crotophaga major
    • Smooth-billed Ani, Crotophaga ani
    • Groove-billed Ani, Crotophaga sulcirostris
      • Cabo San Lucas Groove-billed Ani, Crotophaga sulcirostris pallidula – probably invalid; extinct (c.1940)
 
 
 
 
 
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Gordon Ramel

Gordon is an ecologist with two degrees from Exeter University. He's also a teacher, a poet and the owner of 1,152 books. Oh - and he wrote this website.

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