ANI  

Ani is the common name for these species of tropical American birds that make up the genus Crotophaga in the cuckoo family, Cuculidae. Dull to iridescent black, anis resembles grackles but have longer, heavier tails and somewhat parrot like bills. The smooth billed ani, C.ani, occurs from southern Florida to Argentina. It nests in colonies, and several females often lay their eggs in a common nest. Up to 30 eggs may be laid in layers, and only the upper layers hatch, although two or more females at a time may incubate them. About 30 cm (12 in) in length, the slightly smaller groove-billed ani, C. sulcirostris, is resident from southern Texas to Argentina; the greater ani, C. major, is found from Panama southward. Anis prefers farm country and feed on a wide variety of seeds, and a weak, flapping flight, and they habitually flip their loosely hinged tails in all directions.