groove-billed ani

The groove-billed ani (Crotophaga sulcirostris) is a species of bird belonging to the cuckoo family. It is found in tropical America, ranging from southern Texas to western Peru and northern Brazil.1

This bird is characterized by several distinct grooves on its upper mandible. Like other anis, it is a glossy black, insect-eating bird that forages on the ground in noisy flocks, often near cattle. They have a high-arched, bladelike bill and a long, broad tail. Anis are not strong flyers and are known for their disheveled appearance and whining calls. They typically nest communally in trees, with multiple females laying eggs in a single nest and sharing incubation and chick-rearing duties.1