Smooth-billed Ani
Crotophaga ani
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<birdfyi-bird slug="crotophaga-ani"></birdfyi-bird>The Smooth-billed Ani (Crotophaga ani) is a bird species in the family Cuculidae (cuckoos), within the order Cuculiformes (cuckoos). Recorded measurements include a wingspan of 28.8 cm and a weight of 125.4 g. The IUCN Red List classifies it as Least Concern.
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About
A medium-sized, all-black cuckoo (33-36 cm) with a distinctive high-keeled bill and long tail. Found from Florida and the Caribbean through South America. Gregarious, forming flocks. Omnivore, following cattle for disturbed insects. Communal nester with up to 29 eggs in one nest.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 28.8 cm | 11.3 in |
| Weight | 125.375 g | 4.42 oz |
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Found from Florida and the Caribbean through Central and South America to Argentina. Resident in open habitats.
Diet & Feeding
Insectivore following cattle herds; eats grasshoppers, beetles, and hairy caterpillars flushed by grazers. Also takes small lizards and ticks.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: PL. Incubation: 13-16 days. Fledging: 10-11 days.
Clutch Size
3-7
Sound
Song
Rapid, bubbling call with liquid quality; pleasant gurgling notes cascading quickly from dense grassland cover.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes (Cuckoos) |
| Family | Cuculidae (Cuckoos) |
| Genus | Crotophaga |
| Species | Crotophaga ani |
Distribution
Smooth-billed Ani has been recorded in 4 countries.
countries highlighted
External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Smooth-billed Ani eat?
Where does the Smooth-billed Ani live?
Is the Smooth-billed Ani endangered?
How does the Smooth-billed Ani nest?
What does the Smooth-billed Ani sound like?
How big is the Smooth-billed Ani?
What order and family does the Smooth-billed Ani belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Cuculidae family