Greater Ani
Crotophaga major
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About
A large, all-black cuckoo (46-48 cm) with a keeled bill and long tail. Found in tropical forests, mangroves, and marshes from Mexico to Argentina. Gregarious, often in groups of 8-20. Insectivore and small vertebrate predator. Communal nester, with several females sharing nests.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 38.7 cm | 15.2 in |
| Weight | 184.625 g | 6.51 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Black-eared Bronze-cuckoo: dark ear patch; bronze-green above; barred white below; red eye; distinctive dark ear patches; small
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Found in tropical forests, mangroves, and marshes from Mexico to Argentina. Resident in lowland wetland habitats.
Diet & Feeding
Insectivore of tropical South American marshes; eats hairy caterpillars, large beetles, and small lizards. Also takes grasshoppers and small frogs.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: PL. Incubation: 11-12 days. Fledging: 8-10 days.
Clutch Size
3-7
Sound
Song
Soft, wheezy call with plaintive quality; delicate notes given quietly from dense grassland cover at dawn.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes (Cuckoos) |
| Family | Cuculidae (Cuckoos) |
| Genus | Crotophaga |
| Species | Crotophaga major |
Distribution
Greater Ani has been recorded in 4 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greater Ani eat?
Where does the Greater Ani live?
Is the Greater Ani endangered?
How does the Greater Ani nest?
What does the Greater Ani sound like?
How big is the Greater Ani?
What order and family does the Greater Ani belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Cuculidae family