Groove-billed ani facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Groove-billed ani |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Crotophaga
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| Species: |
sulcirostris
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| Range of C. sulcirostris | |
The groove-billed ani (Crotophaga sulcirostris) is a cool tropical bird. It belongs to the cuckoo family. This bird has a long tail and a big, curved beak.
You can find the groove-billed ani in many places. It lives in southern Texas, central Mexico, and The Bahamas. Its home also stretches through Central America. You can see it in northern Colombia and Venezuela. It also lives along the coasts of Ecuador and Peru. These birds usually stay in their homes all year. But they might move away from Texas and northern Mexico during winter.
Contents
What Does It Look Like?
The groove-billed ani is about 34 cm (13 in) long. It weighs between 70–90 g (2.5–3.2 oz). Its wings can spread out 41 to 46 cm (16-18 in) wide. This bird is completely black. It has a very long tail, almost as long as its body!
Its most special feature is its huge beak. The top part of the beak has long grooves, like tiny lines. The groove-billed ani looks a lot like the smooth-billed ani. Sometimes, it's hard to tell them apart just by looking at their beaks. The best way to know which one it is, is by listening to its call. Also, they live in different areas. When flying, the ani flaps its wings quickly. Then it glides for a short time before flapping again.
Where Does It Live and What Does It Eat?
Like other anis, the groove-billed ani likes open areas. You can find it in pastures, savannas, and orchards. These are places with lots of grass and some trees.
The groove-billed ani eats a mix of different foods. It mostly enjoys insects. But it also eats seeds and fruits.
Family Life
Groove-billed anis are very social birds. They live in small groups. Each group has one to five pairs of breeding birds. They work together to protect their home area.
All the birds in the group lay their eggs in one big nest. This is called a communal nest. All the group members take turns sitting on the eggs to keep them warm. They also all help to feed and care for the young birds once they hatch.
Staying Safe
The groove-billed ani is a protected bird. It is protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. This law helps keep many bird species safe.
See also
In Spanish: Garrapatero asurcado para niños
