Groove-billed Ani Crotophaga sulcirostris

Anis are related to cuckoos, but they are not brood parasites. There are 3 species, the one shown being the Groove-billed Ani native to grasslands and savanna from southern Texas to northern South America.

Photos on this page were taken by Alexandra Makhnina in Costa Rica.

Male and female have similar plumage and both have the large, grooved beak and long tail. They live in small groups with several pairs defending the same territory, laying eggs in a communal nest and all taking care of the young.