Smooth-billed ani
Crotophaga ani
Identification Tips:
- Length: 12 inches
- Entirely black plumage
- Large, heavy bill with hump at base of culmen
- Long tail
- Sexes similar
- Often found in small groups
- Inhabits grassy, scrubby areas
- United States range restricted to southern Florida
Similar species:
The similar Groove-billed Ani has a smaller bill with a smooth curvature
to the culmen and grooves (often difficult to see). They are best told apart
by voice. Grackles have much thinner bills.
Length and wingspan from: Robbins, C.S., Bruun, B., Zim, H.S., (1966). Birds of North America. New York: Western Publishing Company, Inc.
Patuxent Bird Population Studies
Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter