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)
